Introduction
Oral cancer is a significant health issue in India, with a high incidence rate and often late-stage diagnoses. Raising awareness about oral cancer is essential to improve early detection, enhance survival rates, and promote preventive measures. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Indian context, risk factors, diagnostic techniques, and strategies for increasing awareness.
The Indian Scenario
- High Incidence:
- India reports a substantial number of oral cancer cases.
- Approximately 70% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages (American Joint Committee on Cancer, Stage III-IV).
- Risk Factors:
- Tobacco usage (both smoking and smokeless forms) is a major risk factor.
- Betel quid (paan) chewing, alcohol consumption, and poor oral hygiene contribute to the disease burden.