Risk factors for premalignant lesions of the oral cavity in the Bernardo Posse Polyclinic

Introduction : Oral cancer represents a significant public health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality, especially in populations with associated risk factors. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with the purpose of identifying risk factors associated with premalignant lesions of the oral cavity in patients attended at the Bernardo Posse Polyclinic, Havana, between 2020 and 2024. The analysis included variables such as age, sex, anatomical location of the lesions and risk habits, such as smoking, alcoholism, inadequate diet and predisposing diseases. Early identification of these factors can contribute significantly to the prevention of oral cancer. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in a sample of 25 patients of both sexes with evident premalignant lesions in the buccomaxillofacial complex. The variables studied included age, sex, anatomical location of the lesions and risk factors (smoking, alcoholism, diet and predisposing diseases). Data were collected through surveys and clinical records, and descriptive statistical analyses were applied to determine the absolute and relative frequencies of the variables. The sample was selected from the oral cancer registry of the Bernardo Posse Polyclinic. Results: The analysis showed that 40% of premalignant lesions were located on the tongue, this being the most affected anatomical site. The age group with the highest prevalence was 35-59 years, with a significant incidence of smoking (50%) and alcohol consumption (50%) as main risk factors. A higher proportion of female patients (56%) compared to male patients (44%) was observed, which differs from global trends in which men tend to be more affected. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of identifying risk factors associated with premalignant lesions in the oral cavity, such as smoking, alcoholism and inadequate dietary habits. The results underline the need to implement educational and prevention programs aimed at at-risk populations, especially in the age groups with the highest incidence, to improve early detection and reduce the prevalence of oral cancer. Comprehensive care and the promotion of healthy habits are essential to address this problem