1 month ago

Rising Oral Cancer in Young Indians

Rising Oral Cancer in Young Indians
Why are more young people getting oral cancer? Doctor explains · firstpost.com

Oral cancer is becoming more common in younger people in India.

Traditionally, it was linked to smoking and alcohol use in older adults.

Now, younger people are getting oral cancer from tobacco products like gutkha and paan masala, which are marketed as safer but still cause cancer.

Other factors like poor oral hygiene, HPV, and diets with lots of processed foods also play a role.

Many young adults ignore early signs like non-healing mouth ulcers, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Early detection and treatment can save lives and improve quality of life.

It's important to avoid tobacco and supari, maintain good oral hygiene, and seek medical help promptly.

Key facts

Primary Causes
Tobacco and areca nut
Emerging Risk Factors
Poor oral hygiene, HPV, ultra-processed foods
Diagnosis Delay
Non-healing mouth ulcers often ignored
Early Detection
Very treatable when detected early
Age Group Affected
30s and 40s, sometimes younger

Quotes

Dr. Shikhar Sawney

Consultant and Assistant Professor, Head Neck Surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad

““I now regularly see patients in their 30s and 40s, and sometimes younger, walking into the clinic with suspicious mouth ulcers that prove to be cancer.””
firstpost.com
““Early action can save a person’s speech, swallowing function and overall quality of life.””
firstpost.com

Sources

Related news