Sociodemographic determinants and ethnic disparities in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A scoping review

According to the 2020 global cancer estimates by GLOBOCAN, lip and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks as the 16th most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 389,846 new cases, accounting for 2% of all diagnosed cancers. In terms of mortality, it is the 15th most lethal cancer, with an estimated 188,438 deaths, representing about 1.9% of all cancer-related deaths. While tobacco use in its various forms and alcohol consumption are well-established risk factors for OSCC, the potential direct relationship between sociodemographic factors and the etiology of this malignancy remains poorly understood. Although many studies frame risky behaviors as “choices” or “lifestyle habits,” it is crucial to consider that, in most cases, these behaviors likely stem from the social, economic, and cultural contexts individuals are embedded in. Furthermore, individuals of African descent often face significant barriers to accessing public or private healthcare services due to a combination of factors, including social inequalities and structural racism. It is widely recognized that initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption are unlikely to succeed unless accompanied by efforts to address socioeconomic disparities. This scoping review aims to identify the sociodemographic factors most strongly associated with OSCC and, secondarily, to assess whether individuals of African descent are more frequently diagnosed at advanced stages of this disease, which may contribute to poorer prognoses.