Oral cancer is becoming a growing public health concern in India, with nearly 77,000 new cases and over 52,000 deaths reported this year alone. While it primarily affects men over 40, younger individuals are also at risk due to lifestyle and environmental factors.
Tobacco use—whether smoked or chewed—remains the leading cause, and its widespread availability, especially in smokeless forms, makes it harder to curb. Alcohol consumption is another major contributor, and when combined with tobacco use, the risk of developing oral cancer rises sharply. Betel-nut chewing, a culturally ingrained habit in several Indian regions, further adds to the danger because of its carcinogenic compounds.
Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer, particularly for outdoor workers such as farmers, street vendors, and construction laborers. Unfortunately, many cases are detected at advanced stages due to low awareness, poor access to healthcare, and reluctance to seek help for early symptoms like persistent mouth sores or ulcers.
Addressing this crisis requires targeted public health campaigns that promote awareness, regular screenings, and discourage the use of tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut. With timely prevention, education, and intervention, oral cancer—largely a preventable disease—can be significantly reduced, saving countless lives.