Comparing mobile health screening to traditional methods for early detection of oral cancer in rural Varanasi.

The Efficacy of Conventional Screening Versus mHealth Screening in Early Detection of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer Amongst the Rural Population of Varanasi: A Prospective and Blinded Study

Observational Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT06535867

This study tests if using mobile health screenings can help find oral cancer earlier than traditional methods for people living in rural Varanasi.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment5122 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06535867 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of mobile health (mHealth) screening compared to conventional screening methods for the early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer among the rural population of Varanasi. It aims to enhance awareness of oral cancer and improve the diagnostic knowledge of frontline health providers. The study includes long-term surveillance to help downstage oral cancer in India, focusing on individuals with specific risk factors and symptoms. Participants will be monitored for signs of oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals over 18 with habits such as smoking or chewing betel leaf, or those over 40 regardless of habits.

Not a fit: Patients already diagnosed with oral cancer or undergoing treatment for it will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier detection of oral cancer, improving patient outcomes and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health technologies for cancer screening, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Positive for any one or more of the following:

* All individuals aged above 18 years positive for habits (smoking and smokeless tobacco, chewing betel leaf, areca nut, paan masala, and/or regular use of alcohol)
* Clinical signs/symptoms (non-healing ulcers, white/ red/red \& white patches in the mouth, restriction of mouth opening and swelling of the neck)
* All individuals aged above 40 irrespective of habit/oral lesions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals already diagnosed with oral cancer and undergoing treatment for oral cancer
* Under treatment for tuberculosis or suffering from any acute illness/ debilitating systemic disorders

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SmokingSmoking, CigaretteSmoking, TobaccoBetel Chewer's MucosaTobacco UseTobacco SmokingAlcohol DrinkingSmokeless Tobacco Hyperkeratosis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.