title: Characterization of oral cancer diagnostic delay in the state of Alagoas.
abstract: Oral cancer in Brazil still presents high levels of incidence and mortality bearing different traits throughout the national territory. In most of the cases the diagnosis is late; however there is a great possibility for cure when treated early on.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  to assess factors associated with the late diagnosis of oral cancer in the state of Alagoas.
  
  
  METHODS
  a prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in 74 patients, all of them diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma in a hospital of Alagoas, between July of 2007 and September of 2008. A semi-structured interview was given, obtaining socio-demographic data, the type of professional help sought, symptom onset, referrals and tumor clinical stage at the moment of diagnosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to the results obtained in this study, the patients usually sought professional medical help, rather than dental help when a lesion in the mouth appeared, being always referred to a specialist by the dentist, in advanced stages of the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests the need for continued education programs for the population and professionals aiming at the early identification of symptoms of the illness; however needing further studies.
authors.affiliation: Integrated Doctoral Program in Dentistry, UFPB/UFBA.
authors.forename: Luiz Carlos Oliveira dos
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: Olívio de Medeiros
authors.initials: Ode M
authors.lastname: Batista
authors.forename: Maria Cristina Teixeira
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cangussu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001938:Brazil; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013997:Time Factors