The word cancer elicits an emotional response like no other disease does. This 4000-year-old disease, which has long burdened humanity, continues to evoke fear unlike any other condition.

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, accounting for more than 80% of the global oral cancer burden. Its incidence continues to rise, especially among younger people.

To a large extent, oral cancer is the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. India remains a rapidly growing market for tobacco—one of the greatest threats to human health. Peer pressure, easy availability, and social acceptance have fuelled this addiction. Despite its devastating health impact, tobacco continues to thrive due to inadequate control measures and its contribution to national revenue. Sadly, millions are spent treating the damage caused not only to users but also to those exposed to second-hand smoke.

Alarmingly, tobacco use is often seen as a symbol of ‘coolness’ or ‘manliness’, especially among India’s youth. The number of women using tobacco is also rising. India remains the world’s largest consumer of smokeless tobacco in various forms. Alcohol consumption further worsens the harmful effects of tobacco, and its use is increasing among the younger generation who associate it with fun and social identity.

What makes these addictions particularly concerning is that awareness about their harmful effects is also increasing—yet dependency remains strong, and many continue despite knowing the risks.

Most cancer patients in India seek treatment late. Although cancer prevention is widely promoted, early detection is not. Misconceptions about cancer are widespread, including the false belief that a biopsy can worsen the disease. This is completely untrue.

The psychological fear of cancer often delays timely medical consultation. Many people ignore early symptoms or hide them from family members, leading to missed opportunities for early treatment.

Thankfully, treatment for oral and head–neck cancers has improved significantly. Better understanding of how these cancers grow and spread, advanced imaging, multidisciplinary care, scientific treatment protocols, and modern rehabilitation methods have transformed outcomes.

The cornerstone of effective cancer care is the availability of multidisciplinary centres that house experts in pathology, imaging, surgery, reconstruction, anaesthesia, critical care, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, nursing, and rehabilitation. These centres also play a crucial role in training caregivers. Unfortunately, such comprehensive cancer centres are still limited in India.

A major advancement has been the standardisation of treatment guidelines across cancer stages. This ensures uniform care, improves outcomes, and enables meaningful comparison of treatment results across centres. Clinical trials have also become more feasible, accelerating global progress in cancer treatment.

However, the strongest support for a cancer patient comes from family and friends. They play a vital role in helping the patient accept the diagnosis, undergo treatment, and rebuild life. Life is a journey with a beginning and an end—what truly matters is the companionship along the way.

In conclusion, cancer is a disease like any other. Oral cancer is curable when detected early. It can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. With awareness and support, it can be defeated.

Dr Rajdeep P. Guha
MS (ENT), DNB (ENT)
Consultant, ENT and Head–Neck Surgery
NH Westbank Health & Wellness Institute, Howrah