Incidence of Oral Cancers on the Rise, Accounts for 25% of All Cases: AIIMS

Doctors at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said that over 25% of the total cancer patients in India suffer from oral and throat cancers. They said that the average age group suffering from oral cancers in India has dwindled from 55 years to 35 years.

The doctors at the AIIMS also said, "Though there were five major factors behind the occurrence of oral and throat cancers- smoking, spirits, spices, sharp teeth and smokeless tobacco, but tobacco was the most prominent reason affecting more young people."

Dr. Alok Thakkar, a professor with AIIMS' ENT department, said, "The situation is changing now. 25 years back people of the 55-60 age group used to come to the doctors with oral and throat cancers but now the age group has reduced to 35 years. This is because of the easy availability of tobacco products despite the ban. One should visit a doctor immediately after witnessing symptoms such as red, colorless patches inside the mouth, ulcers, swellings, sour throat for more than a week and also change in the voice with roughness. Mostly patients visit doctors at the late stage. People have to understand that only after a billion of cancerous cells develop, there will be a small swelling in the mouth during oral cancers, which becomes very late."

Dr. Kapil Sikka, an assistant professor with the ENT department, said, "Looking at the current status of availability of tobacco and cancer causing products in the country, India will see further rise in oral cancer patients for the next 15-20 years. A lot of people switch on the smokeless tobacco when they are asked to quit smoking, which is equally dangerous. This has to be stopped. AIIMS treats 25% of the oral and throat cancer patients of the country."

Source: IANS