(0210) Demographics and Feasibility of Head and Neck Cancer Screening in the San Francisco Chinatown Community

Introduction: San Francisco’s (SF) Chinatown district has one of the highest mortality rates in SF due to tobacco-related disease, poor access to healthcare, and elevated prevalence of nasopharyngeal cancer. In this pilot head and neck cancer (HNC) screening, we aimed to describe the SF Chinatown health fair’s participants and assess the feasibility of community-based HNC screenings.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study during the October 2023 Chinatown Community Health Fair, free for all community members. Consenting participants completed a 34-item questionnaire in their primary language assessing socio-demographic information, smoking status, alcohol use, and relevant symptoms, followed by an exam including inspection and palpation of the oral cavity/oropharynx/neck, anterior rhinoscopy, and otoscopy. Interpreters were present at all times. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results: In total, 87 participants completed the questionnaire, and 78 received a head and neck exam. Average age was 62.9 years old (SD 15.7), and 72% of participants were female. Cantonese was the most common primary language (78%). Of participants, 5% did not have health insurance, and 37% did not have dental insurance. No participants reported current tobacco use and 9 noted prior use. Current alcohol use was reported by 5, and another 5 reported previous use. Additionally, 3 participants had been treated for skin cancer of the head and neck, and 5 had been treated for other benign or malignant head and neck conditions. Many participants (54%) reported at least one symptom, most commonly nasal obstruction (18%) and unilateral hearing loss (18%). Two participants had history and physical exam findings suspicious for HNC (tongue ulceration and maxillary ridge swelling) and were provided resources for follow up.

Conclusions: Community-based HNC screenings in SF Chinatown are feasible with appropriate personnel including interpreters and providers. Additional work is needed to identify and screen high-risk individuals. Nasal obstruction and hearing loss were most commonly reported, which may be future areas of focus for community outreach.