India is increasingly being referred to as the ‘Cancer Capital of the World,’ a troubling designation confirmed by a recent report published in The Lancet Oncology Journal. The report highlights that in 2022, South Central Asia witnessed 1.20 lakh cases of oral cancer, with India accounting for a staggering 83,400 of these cases. Globally, 3.77 lakh cases of oral cancer were reported in the same year, underscoring the severity of the situation in India. Lancet study also mentioned India has the highest number of oral cancer cases in South Asia.
One of the key contributors to this alarming rise in oral cancer cases is the widespread use of smokeless tobacco. According to a report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), India accounts for the highest number of oral cancer cases globally due to the widespread consumption of substances known to cause cancer. The report highlights that India leads in the use of smokeless tobacco products such as paan, gutkha, khaini, and betel nut, which are major contributors to the rise in oral cancer cases.
Dr Harriet Rumageh, a scientist with the IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, emphasised that while smokeless tobacco comes in many forms worldwide, its consumption practices in India are particularly harmful. These products, deeply ingrained in cultural habits, pose significant health risks. The report states that 35% of all oral cancer cases globally are linked to the use of smokeless tobacco and betel nut, further underscoring the scale of the issue in India.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of oral cancer are mainly seen in the inside part of the mouth, throat, cheeks or around the ears. Blisters or wounds start appearing in the lips or mouth which do not get cured with medicine. Red patches start forming on the surface of the cheeks inside the mouth. Due to all this, teeth become loose. A lump starts forming in any part of the inside of the mouth which gradually starts growing. In case of oral cancer, there is pain in the mouth and ears and there is difficulty in swallowing food. If all these symptoms are seen, then one should immediately go to the doctor.
As mentioned above, smokeless tobacco is a major cause of oral cancer. People who consume tobacco or any tobacco-related product in any form are at a higher risk of oral cancer. About 35 percent of oral cancer cases are caused by tobacco and betel nuts. People who consume gutkha are at a higher risk of oral cancer. Apart from these, cigarette smokers, cigar or pipe smokers, and tobacco chewers are at a higher risk. Oral cancer can also occur if the lips are exposed to excessive sunlight. Apart from this, weak immunity and HPV virus can also be the cause of oral cancer.
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