Doctors raise the importance of oral screening and tobacco cessation to prevent oral cancers

Senior oncologists from Apollo Cancer Centre (ACC) and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), along with representatives from Isha Foundation, at the launch of the OraLife Oral Cancer Screening Program, held today to mark World No Tobacco Day and support Apollo’s nationwide #CutTheCost campaign against tobacco use.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

CHENNAI

In line with the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), experts highlighted the importance of screening to detect oral cancers early and the need to quit tobacco to prevent oral cancers.

A number of events were held on Friday to mark WNTD, which falls on May 31. Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) launched #OraLife, a nationwide oral cancer screening programme aimed at early detection and prevention.

The programme offers comprehensive oral screening conducted by trained oncologists and surgeons, identifying early warning signs such as persistent ulcers, red or white patches, or non-healing sores.

Sandeep Duarah, senior consultant, surgical oncology, ACC Vanagaram, emphasised that everyone is vulnerable to oral cancer, and screening is essential as it can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment. Naveen Hedne, senior consultant, head and neck surgical Oncology, ACC Teynampet, noted that most patients still present at advanced stages, stressing the critical importance of early detection.

Sapna Nangia, director – head, neck and breast – senior consultant, radiation oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, added that oral cancer remains the most common cancer among Indian men, with significant disparities between incidence and survival.

“Everyone carries some risk. No one should ignore even a sharp tooth,” cautioned N. Mahathi, professor, oral oncology and maxillofacial surgery, and a representative of the Isha Foundation.

To support holistic recovery, ACC has partnered with the Isha Foundation to provide integrated tobacco cessation support. The launch also included unveiling of the #CutTheCost campaign, which highlights the financial toll of tobacco use — estimated at over ₹1.1 lakh in additional lifetime healthcare expenses per user.

Rathna Devi, senior consultant, radiation oncology, and Kannan, consultant, head and neck oncology and skull base surgery, both from ACC Teynampet, called oral cancer screening and tobacco cessation “the best move” and urged the public to “stop the habit.”

VS Hospitals rolled out a “Two-minute action for oral cancer protection” campaign urging people to perform quick oral self-checks to catch the early signs of cancer. It runs on the message of “Feel, Look, Act”. Doctors said people should look at their entire mouth in the mirror, feel for any changes, white or red patches in the mouth, non-healing ulcers, lumps or swelling in the jaw or neck and in the case of any abnormality, seek medical help immediately.

“Tobacco use – be it smoking or chewing – could cause cancers, predominantly of the oral cavity,” S. Subramanian, founder chairman and managing director, VS Hospitals, said. He emphasised the need for awareness, and screening for early diagnosis that makes cure possible.

Noting that the incidence of cancer is on the rise, S. Nithya, associate director and senior consultant, Medical Oncology at the hospital said people should understand the ill-effects of tobacco and quit as soon as possible. “It takes 15 to 20 years for the effect of tobacco to come down. Quitting today is important,” she said.

Oral cancers, one of the commonest cancers in India, includes that of the tongue, cheek, throat and oral cavity. “The changes will be visible. Once there is an abnormality such as white or red patches, which are the early symptoms, it is important to see the doctor immediately,” she said.

In another event, CANSTOP, a community-based organisation of Sundaram Medical Foundation Hospital, collaborated with Rotary District 3234 to raise awareness on WNTD at Anna Nagar Tower Park. The awareness event featured activities, including an awareness talk, “paraiattam”, street theatre, mime, and a flash mob aimed at educating the public on the dangers of tobacco use. Free oral and general medical screening camps were held.

B. Sneha Priya, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anna Nagar, N.S. Saravanan, District Governor, Rotary District 3234, Arjun Rangarajan, trustee, Sundaram Medical Foundation and Sachin Siva, Captain of the Indian Cricket Team for the Physically Challenged took part, according to a press release.