• Oral cancer is the most common cancer in India amongst men.
• Around 80-90% of oral cancers are directly attributable to tobacco use.
• Deaths due to tobacco use in India is estimated at upwards of 3500 persons every day.
• Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth (oral cavity). Mouth cancer can occur on the:
  • Lips
  • Gums
  • Tongue
  • Inner lining of the cheeks
  • Roof of the mouth
  • Floor of the mouth (under the tongue)

Risk factors for oral cancer

• Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others.
• Heavy alcohol use.
• Smoking, second hand smoking
• Viral/fungal infection
• A weakened immune system
• Dental Factors Poor oral hygiene, poor dental status (sharp/fractured teeth due to caries/trauma), and chronic ulceration from an ill-fitting denture are the other risk factors.

Symptoms of oral cancer

• A lip or mouth sore that doesn't heal
• A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
• A growth or lump inside your mouth
• Mouth pain
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue, usually red or red and white in color
• Swelling that persists for over 3 weeks
• A lump or thickening of the skin or lining of the mouth
• Loose teeth with no apparent reason
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• A sensation that something is stuck in the throat
• Painful tongue
• Hoarse voice
• Pain in the neck or ear that does not go away