Oral cancer, a type of head-and-neck cancer, is a serious and rapidly rising health crisis in India. This year alone, approximately 77,000 new cases have been diagnosed, with over 52,000 lives lost to the disease.
While men over 40 are the most affected, women are not exempt. One of the biggest challenges is early detection—symptoms often go unnoticed until it’s too late, contributing to a high death rate.
The primary culprit? Tobacco. Whether smoked as cigarettes and bidis or chewed as smokeless products like gutka and khaini, tobacco use remains the leading cause. It’s deeply ingrained in many communities across the country.
Alcohol use worsens the risk, especially when combined with tobacco, creating a deadly synergy that multiplies your chances of developing oral cancer.
Another hidden danger comes from betel-nut products, widely chewed in many regions. These contain arecoline, a chemical known to damage the delicate tissues inside the mouth and trigger cancerous changes.
Even everyday factors like prolonged sun exposure to the lips—common among outdoor workers—can raise the risk of cancer, particularly on the lower lip.
Watch out for warning signs such as persistent mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, unexplained bleeding, or lumps in the mouth or neck. Sadly, many ignore these symptoms until the cancer has advanced.
Experts emphasize the importance of regular dental checkups, quitting tobacco and alcohol, and seeking medical help at the first sign of unusual oral changes.
Awareness and prevention are our strongest weapons against this deadly but largely preventable disease. Stay informed, take action, and protect yourself and your loved ones.