Oral cancer seems to have emerged as an acute health issue in India, with more cases registered than in any other South Asian country. This killer disease is said to afflict thousands of patients every year, and unfortunately, most such cases would have easily been avoidable. Let’s investigate the reasons for this situation and what can be done.
Why are so many cases being registered in India?
Significant number of oral cancer cases occurs in India due to widespread consumption of smokeless tobacco products, which are readily available, cheap, and thus interlinked better with the customary traditional practices of that local population. Many do not realize that their everyday paan, gutka, or supari is a reason for cancer.
In India, approximately 77,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually. This is about 30% of all the cancers reported in the country. Imagine this statistic: out of 100 cancer patients in India, around 30 would have oral cancer. This is comparatively more than other South Asian countries.
A Serious Threat: Smokeless Tobacco
In India, this comes in different forms popularly known as khaini, gutka, or zarda. People mix it in paan, and some people keep it in their mouth, between their teeth and gums. Whichever method of use smokeless tobacco is a hazardous substance because of its chemicals, which could result in cancer.
When a person places tobacco inside his mouth, all these chemicals directly touch the inner lining of his mouth for long periods. On prolonged contact with the mouth’s cells, these chemicals damage the mouth’s cells; eventually, over time, the damaged cells may become cancerous. It is like scratching continuously the same spot on your skin; it will eventually cause damage.
And what about areca nut (supari)? Is it not a mouth freshener?
Many people feel that the areca nut or supari is harmless because it is always sold as a mouth freshener. Some even think that it aids in the digestion of food. However, research has shown that the areca nut contains various substances that cause cancer. What makes it worse is that many people start at a pretty young age under the impression that it’s safe.
Mix an areca nut with tobacco or any other substance and place them in the betel leaf to create paan. Even without smoking, chronic use of areca nut leads to a condition known as oral submucous fibrosis, which eventually causes difficulty in opening your mouth and later turns into cancer.
Who in India is most vulnerable to oral cancer?
Oral cancer does not discriminate since it can affect anyone, yet some categories of people fall at greater risk. Firstly, the risk is highly dominated by men than females; this is because higher numbers of men use more forms of tobacco products. People who work outdoors, such as farmers and laborers, often use these products because they think it helps them to work longer or deal with hunger.
Such products are consumed at such a tender age that the risk factor rises more amongst young individuals as early use increases the possibility of problems being cancerous. People sometimes cannot even access these healthcare centers, which makes it so hard for them to get diagnosed with the problem on time.
What are common signs that can raise suspicion in any individual’s mind that oral cancer might be developed in a person’s body?
Oral cancer usually provides early warning signs; however, most people do not notice them or tend to ignore them. The most common early sign is a sore in the mouth that does not heal within more than two weeks. Sometimes, it may not hurt initially, so people ignore it.
Other patients report white or red patches in the mouth, painful chewing or swallowing, an impression that something is lodged in the throat, or swelling in the jaw area. In some cases, patients say their voice is different or report numbness in the tongue or other parts of the mouth.
Why do people continue using these products when they are dangerous?
There are several reasons why people continue to use tobacco and areca nut products despite knowing they are bad for them. First, these products are very addictive. If someone begins using them, they feel it very difficult to stop. Because, nicotine in tobacco creates a strong addiction and it is difficult to break.
Social and cultural factors also play a vital role. In several parts of India, consuming paan or supari is considered polite and traditional hospitality. Some people feel a little awkward in refusing the offers. Many workers take these products because they help reduce tiredness or hunger during long work hours.
What is being done to address this problem in India?
The Indian government has taken various measures to counter this problem. There are laws against selling gutka and other types of packaged smokeless tobacco. Many states have rules prohibiting the sale of tobacco products near schools and colleges. Warning messages also appear on the packages and in advertisements.
Health workers and doctors are also making efforts to spread awareness among the public about the risks associated with these products. They organize regular check-ups and screening camps to catch oral cancer early, particularly in rural areas. Organizations are also helping people quit tobacco by counseling and providing support.
How can we prevent oral cancer?
Never start smoking, and chewing areca nut in your life is the best way to avoid oral cancer. For the person already addicted to them, quitting these products is necessary. And yes, indeed, quitting these items isn’t an easy process. However, this process could be performed by following up with adequate support.
Regular dental check-ups are important to detect these problems. So, if you notice something unusual, it is better to go and get it checked immediately.
But with oral cancer, the cases when it is already present should be given a prognosis.
With oral cancer, the possibility of treatment is high for those who are diagnosed very early. Treatment is conducted differently depending on the stage involved. It can be major surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Many hospitals throughout India have special cancer care centers with modern equipment and trained doctors.
There are also support groups where people with oral cancer can meet others who have similar experiences. In these groups, people share emotions and sometimes offer practical tips, which are helpful for better management and rehabilitation during and after the treatment.
What can communities do to reduce oral cancer cases?
Communities can also go a long way in reducing cases of oral cancer. Schools can educate children about the menace of tobacco and areca nut. Religious and social leaders can dissuade others from using them during community functions and festivals.
Families can support their members in quitting tobacco. Shop owners can decide not to sell such harmful products. Most importantly, everyone can help spread awareness regarding oral cancer and how to prevent it.
Conclusion:
Oral cancer is mostly preventable. We can simply decrease the number by making small changes in our habits, and others need to change theirs. Surely, stopping all old habits or unbreakable traditions isn’t easy; on the other hand, all these may be done but with greater importance and value regarding the prevention of cancer.
If you and your friends use tobacco and areca nut products, now is the best time to quit. You and your health are worth it. Please don’t let any unhealthy habits take them away. Seek help from any resource like doctors, counselors, or available support groups. Together, we can bring down India’s high oral cancer numbers and create a healthier future for everyone.
REFERENCE LINKS:
https://www.rrh.org.au/journal/article/1118/
https://www.e-epih.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.4178/epih.e2017009