Pune: Oral cancer is not an older person’s problem anymore. Currently, oral cancer cases are spiking in young adults in their 30s and 40s. Shockingly, factors such as smokeless tobacco, betel nut use, unhealthy lifestyles, and HPV infections are fueling oral cancer cases. Timely management is key to successful patient outcomes. It is imperative to avoid tobacco, betel nut, limit alcohol, eat a healthy diet, maintain oral hygiene, and go for regular dental check-ups to prevent this cancer and improve the quality of life.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India accounts for over a third of the world’s oral cancer cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reveals that nearly 20 per cent of cases now occur in people under 45, up from just 5-10 per cent two decades ago. When it comes to oral cancer, people tend to ignore the signs and suffer in silence. This can cause higher morbidity and mortality rates in the patients. Timely management of oral cancer is life-saving. This data is an eye-opener as experts warn people to focus on their well-being and prevent cancer.
“The rise in oral cancer cases among young Indians is due to higher consumption of smokeless tobacco products such as paan, gutka, khaini, and betel nut or supari. Harmful chemicals in tobacco can make people susceptible to cancer. Other causes, such as stress, alcohol, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, poor diet lacking fruits and vegetables, and failure to practice oral hygiene, can also raise the chances of oral cancer. So, look for symptoms such as ulcers, red or white patches, or unexplained bleeding. These symptoms are neglected by many, leading to late diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr Utkarsh Ajgaonkar, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, TGH Oncolife Cancer Centre.
Dr Utkarsh Ajgaonkar further said, “Around 15%-20% of people under 45 suffer from oral cancer. Monthly, 2 out of 10 come with symptoms such as ulcers, red or white patches, and are advised biopsy to confirm cancer. There is still a lack of awareness regarding oral cancer; people suffer in silence and fail to seek timely treatment. On noticing symptoms, the expert will perform a physical mouth check, biopsy, or scans if needed. Treatment depends on the stage and may include surgery in combination with radiation, chemotherapy. Early detection will help with positive treatment outcomes. To prevent oral cancer, quit tobacco products, maintain good oral hygiene, eat a balanced diet, and get regular screenings every six months. Timely HPV vaccination as recommended by the expert can further help in prevention.”
“Oral cancer was considered an older men’s disease. However, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research, there has been a surge, a nearly threefold rise compared to two decades ago, in the diagnosis of oral cancer among younger Indian men and women. Several factors, such as tobacco and betel nut product usage, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and HPV infections. Early detection is important, as prompt symptom recognition can enhance outcomes. Some of the initial signs of this cancer are white or red patches, ulcers, or swelling. The asymptomatic nature of this cancer results in delayed diagnosis, and many cases are identified in later stages. Encouraging healthier lifestyles can help in mitigating this issue,” concluded Dr Ram Patil, Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune.
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