On the occasion of Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month, oncologists are intensifying efforts to promote early detection and prevention. In Mumbai, leading specialists are urging citizens to adopt simple, proactive health practices to reduce the growing burden of oral cancer.
A Simple Call to Action: “Feel, Look & Act”
Highlighting the urgency, Dr. Sewanti Limaye, Director of Medical & Precision Oncology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, is encouraging Mumbaikars to dedicate just two minutes to self-examination. This initiative aligns with the “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection” campaign by Merck Specialities Private Limited, under the hashtag #ActAgainstOralCancer. The campaign promotes quick, mirror-based self-checks to identify early warning signs and enable timely medical intervention.
Rising Burden of Oral and Head & Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers include malignancies arising in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses. Most of these are squamous cell carcinomas, strongly associated with tobacco and alcohol use. However, increasing evidence also points to human papillomavirus (HPV) as a contributing factor in certain cases.
“Head and neck cancers, including oral cancers, present with early signs such as persistent mouth ulcers, non-healing wounds, difficulty in swallowing, voice changes, or neck swelling, while advanced stages may lead to severe pain, weight loss, bleeding, and difficulty in eating or speaking. In India, nearly 80% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and other causes can be areca nut (supari) chewing, alcohol, and infections like HPV. Around 30% of all cancer cases diagnosed in many tertiary care settings are head and neck cancers, and of these, nearly 62% are oral cancers alone. Most patients, nearly 65–70%, are above 50 years of age, while about 25% are below 50 years, indicating a gradual shift towards younger populations as well. Despite being largely preventable, around 60% of patients reach the hospital at stage III or IV, where treatment becomes more complex. Cancer recurrence is seen in nearly 10–15% of patients, even after successful treatment, highlighting the importance of regular follow-up and continuous monitoring for early detection of relapse,” said Dr. Sewanti Limaye.
Changing Trends and Emerging Risk Factors
Furthermore, the epidemiology of oral cancer is evolving. While tobacco remains the dominant risk factor, a growing number of cases are now being reported among non-tobacco users.
“Oral cancer is seen more in men than women, with around 75% of cases in men and 25% in women. In India, oral cancer cases among non-tobacco users and non-smokers are rising, with studies and expert reports indicating a ~20% increase, and nearly 30–40% of new cases now occurring in individuals without tobacco exposure, largely driven by poor oral hygiene, HPV infection, and genetic factors. Head and neck cancer incidence has continued to rise over the last decade, largely driven by persistent tobacco chewing and smoking, which remain the dominant risk factors for oral cavity cancers. At the same time, there is a shift toward younger age groups (30–50 years) and a growing contribution from non-tobacco factors such as HPV infection and poor oral hygiene, particularly in oropharyngeal cancers. If not diagnosed or treated on time, these cancers can spread to other organs, reducing survival and quality of life. Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical examination, imaging like CT/MRI, Oral Visual Inspection (OVI), and biopsy. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and increasingly, immunotherapy in selected cases. Early screening, tobacco cessation, quitting alcohol, and awareness of warning signs remain the most effective preventive strategies,” she added.
The Importance of Early Detection and Self-Examination
Emphasising prevention, Dr. Limaye described the campaign as a crucial eye-opener and advocated for routine self-checks.
Dr. Sewanti Limaye said, “This campaign is an eye-opener, and everyone should adopt a simple 2-minute monthly self-check, as early detection remains the best form of prevention. Look carefully inside the mouth for white or red patches, ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, or any unusual bleeding or loose teeth. Feel for any lumps or swelling in the jaw or neck, hoarseness or voice changes, and persistent pain in the ear or while swallowing. If any of these signs are noticed, act immediately without delay and consult a doctor for timely treatment and improved outcomes.”
A Collective Responsibility
As per the press release, the campaign reinforces that early detection, lifestyle modification, and awareness can significantly reduce the burden of oral cancer. By adopting a simple two-minute routine, individuals can take an active role in safeguarding their health and improving long-term outcomes.