Oral Cancer in India: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Posted on: Nov 8, 2024 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Oral Cancer in India: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Getting diagnosed with a disease like cancer can be quite disheartening for both the patient and his/her loved ones. It often triggers feelings of fear and anxiety, along with financial burdens and a decline in overall quality of life. In India, oral cancer is particularly concerning, as it is the most common type among men. The high prevalence is largely because of the widespread use of harmful tobacco products, as well as the consumption of betel quid, gutka, and khaini.

Many cases of oral cancer are treatable, especially if diagnosed early. However, the treatment can be expensive, and the medical bills can burn a hole in your pocket. Therefore, if you are at risk of developing oral cancer or any other condition, it is important to stay covered under health insurance with critical illness insurance cover to avoid financial setbacks. Here, we will talk about the issue of oral cancer in India.

Oral cancer in India

Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in India. According to the Indian Cancer Society, the country has the highest incidence of oral cancer in the world, recording over 1,00,000 cases every year. It is the most common type of cancer among men and the third most common type among women in India. Moreover, oral cancer accounts for 30% of all cancer cases in the county.

A recent study conducted by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) states that India has the highest prevalence of oral cancer in South Asia. The report was published in The Lancet Oncology in October 2024. The main reason for the high prevalence of oral cancer in the country is excessive consumption of smokeless tobacco products, especially by the male population. These include betel quid, khaini, gutka, tobacco, and areca nuts. In 2015, research published by the National Library of Medicine stated that betel nut wrapped in betel leaf is a type 1 carcinogen.

Oral cancer caseload in India

A study conducted by the IARC reported that in 2022, there were a total of 1,20,200 oral cancer cases worldwide, with 83,400 of those cases occurring in India. Consumption of khaini (47%) was found to be the leading cause of oral cancer among men. Other contributing products included gutka (43%), betel quid with tobacco (33%), and betel nuts (32%). Additionally, betel nut consumption accounted for 30% of oral cancer cases among women in India.

Dr Harriet Rumgay, a scientist in the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC, stated that smokeless tobacco and areca nut products are easily available to consumers in various forms worldwide, but their consumption is associated with multiple diseases, including oral cancer.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer, also called mouth cancer, refers to cancer that occurs on the inside of the mouth. The condition can develop in any part of the mouth, including the inner lining of the cheeks, lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, and under the tongue. Oral cancer can also affect the throat area at the back of the mouth. The condition can lead to symptoms such as sore throat and difficulties with speaking and swallowing.

In the initial stages, the potential oral cancer may appear as a harmless white patch or a sore that bleeds. However, unlike minor issues and irritations, these patches or sores will not heal. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of your mouth and throat, complicating treatment and recovery.

Oral cancer – Causes

The following are the causes of oral cancer:

• Smoking cigarettes regularly

• Chewing tobacco

• Using a pipe or cigar

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Being over 40 years of age

• Excessive sun exposure, which can lead to lip cancer

• A diet low in fruits and vegetables

• Transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) during sexual intercourse

• Having a family history of oral cancer

Oral cancer – Symptoms

The symptoms of oral cancer are as follows:

• Sores inside the mouth or on the lip that bleed easily and do not heal for over 2 weeks

• Rough spots or crusty areas inside the mouth or on the lip

• Irritation in the mouth, throat, or lip

• Finding it difficult to speak, chew, and swallow

• Red or white patch in the mouth

• Bleeding in the mouth for no obvious reason

• Having a lump in the neck

• Pain, numbness, or tenderness in the mouth or on the face and neck for no apparent reason

• Chronic bad breath

• Pain in the ears

How is oral cancer diagnosed?

Oral cancer is diagnosed through the following methods —

• Physical examination:

The dentist or doctor will examine your mouth and lips for sores, white patches, rough spots, and other abnormalities.

• Biopsy:

If the doctor finds a suspicious area in your mouth or lips, he/she will take a sample of the cells from the area for testing. This procedure is called a biopsy.

If oral cancer is diagnosed, the doctor may perform some additional tests, like endoscopy and imaging tests, to determine the stage of the cancer.

Oral cancer – Treatment

The treatment of oral cancer depends on the cancer’s stage and location. Some patients may require only one type of treatment, while others may have to undergo a combination of different approaches.

Oral cancer patients are referred to the following specialists:

• Ear, nose, and throat doctors (ENTs)

• Head and neck surgeons

• Dentists specialising in face, mouth, and jaw surgeries

• Doctors who specialise in cancer treatment, such as medical and radiation oncologists

The treatment options for oral cancer include:

• Surgery to remove the tumour

• Surgery to address cancer that has spread to the neck

• Reconstructive surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Immunotherapy

• Targeted drug therapy

Oral cancer – Prevention

The following are some tips that can help prevent oral cancer —

1. Quit tobacco:

Tobacco is a leading cause of oral cancer, and prolonged use of tobacco products significantly increases the risk of this life-threatening disease. Here, it is important to note that both cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products can contribute to the development of oral cancer. Therefore, it is essential to avoid all forms of tobacco products altogether to protect your health and reduce your risk of the condition.

2. Limit alcohol:

Alcohol increases your risk of oral cancer, especially if you drink regularly and excessively. It can alter the way your body functions and weaken its natural defences against cancer, making you more susceptible to developing the disease. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol altogether or consume it in moderation. Women should not have more than one drink per day, and men should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day.

3. Go for routine dental exams:

Routine dental exams are crucial, especially if you smoke or use tobacco products. Dentists and dental hygienists can identify potential cancerous growth and start treatment promptly. This is important as early detection and timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Moreover, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene for better oral health. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily, and rinse your mouth thoroughly after meals to remove food particles.

4. Avoid excessive sun exposure:

Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of lip and skin cancer. Therefore, if you work outdoors for extended periods, it is important to take necessary precautions to minimise the harmful effects of UV rays. Wearing a cap, using sunscreen, applying lip balm with SPF, and staying in the shade during peak sun hours can help.

5. Get vaccinated against HPV:

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is linked to oropharyngeal cancers, which occur in the part of the throat behind the mouth. HPV-related cancers are more common in men who are in their late 40s or early 50s. Getting vaccinated against HPV before becoming sexually active can significantly reduce the risk of developing these cancers.

Conclusion

To sum up, the high incidence of oral cancer cases in India is largely driven by factors such as tobacco use, betel quid consumption, alcohol intake, and HPV infections. Therefore, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid products that increase the risk of the condition. Given the rising trend of health issues and healthcare costs, it is also important to stay covered under health insurance with critical illness insurance cover for those uncertain times. If there is a medical emergency or you get diagnosed with a critical illness, your insurance provider will cover a substantial portion of your medical expenses and ease your financial burden.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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