Oral cancer is often associated with tobacco use. However, a worrying change is now being observed in the disease's prevalence. In particular, cases are rapidly increasing among non-tobacco users.

Cases of this cancer have increased, especially among women. Early detection of cancer in non-tobacco users is difficult because many patients do not show early symptoms.

Although tobacco and alcohol are the main causes of oral cancer, other factors are also contributing to the rise in cases. These include poor oral hygiene, HPV infection, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and increasing pollution.

Dr. Ram Patil, an oncologist at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Pune, said that oral cancer often occurs without symptoms. Therefore, its early symptoms are easily overlooked. These include mouth ulcers that don't heal, unexplained lumps, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, or white/red spots in the mouth.

Often, patients ignore these symptoms and seek treatment only after the disease has progressed to a later stage. This makes treatment more difficult and results less favorable. Oral cancer cases are increasing among women who do not consume tobacco. Because these patients do not have traditional risk factors, timely diagnosis is better. Therefore, experts also advise against ignoring minor changes and lesions in the mouth.

Dr. Ram further states that there has been a nearly 40 percent increase in oral cancer cases among non-smokers. This increase is also evident in women. Every month, four out of every 10 suspected patients between the ages of 25 and 65 seek treatment for oral cancer, of whom three are women, while one is a man who has never smoked tobacco before. This change is concerning, and in many patients, oral hygiene and HPV infection are the main causes.

Early diagnosis and treatment can save a patient's life. Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. If detected early, this cancer can be cured. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to oral health.

Dr. Jyoti Mehta, a radiation oncologist at TGH OncoLife Cancer Center, said that the number of oral cancer patients is increasing among non-tobacco smokers, and the rate is increasing among women. The number of such patients has increased by approximately 20 percent. The reasons behind this include poor oral hygiene, HPV infection, chronic inflammation due to broken teeth, ill-fitting dentures, spicy and bitter food habits, and increased stress.

PC: Saamtv