Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke, targeted annual screening for oral cancer using visual inspection of the oral cavity is prioritised in which group?
- A All adults above 50 years regardless of habits
- B Individuals with a family history of head and neck cancers
- C Tobacco users (smoking and smokeless) and alcohol users aged 30 years and above ✓
- D All women above 40 years attending health facilities
Correct answer: C. Tobacco users (smoking and smokeless) and alcohol users aged 30 years and above
Explanation
The programme directs opportunistic visual examination of the oral cavity to all persons above 30 years, with targeted annual screening of high-risk individuals, defined as users of tobacco in smoked or smokeless form and alcohol users, who account for the large majority of oral cancer cases in India. Family history is a weaker determinant here, and universal age-based screening without habit assessment would dilute yield and feasibility.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.