Oral Cancer in India: An Epidemiologic and Clinical Review

Abstract

Oral cancer is one of the most fatal health problems faced by the mankind today. In India, because of cultural, ethnic, geographic factors and the popularity of addictive habits, the frequency of oral cancer is high. It ranks number one in terms of incidence among men and third among women. Several factors like tobacco and tobacco related products, alcohol, genetic predisposition and hormonal factors are suspected as possible causative factors. Hence the study was designed to determine the prevalence of Oral Cancer in patients who attended the outpatient department, at Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Dental College Sangli India during a period of 24 months in 2009-2010. Further various modes of tobacco and alcohol consuming habit were assessed along with the site of occurrence of oral cancer. About 35,122 subjects belonging to a semi-urban district of Sangli in Western Maharashtra (India) were screened. Tobacco and alcohol consumption was the common habit among the study population. Out of these about 112 cases showed Oral Cancer. The prevalence of Oral Cancer was 1.12%. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software 11. The findings in the present study reveal a high prevalence of Oral Cancer and a rampant misuse of variety of addictive substances in the community. Close follow up and systematic evaluation is required in this population. Education about ill effects of tobacco and alcohol consumption is necessary at a broader scale. There is an urgent need for awareness programs involving the community health workers, dentists and allied medical professionals.

Head and Neck Cancer: Global Burden and Regional Trends in India

“…A national cancer mortality through nationally representative survey (Dikshit et al, 2012) revealed oral (lip and pharynx) cancer to be the most leading cause of death amongst males in the age group of 30-69 years. Byakodi et al (2012) have lately reported an overall prevalence of oral cancer to the tune of 1.12% amongst all the outpatients attending a dental hospital at Sangli Maharashtra.…”

“…These cancer related myths can only be overcome by better education. Byakodi et al (2012) from a big city (Banglore) of India further stressed that education about ill effects of tobacco and alcohol consumption is necessary at a broader scale…”

Risk factors in oral carcinoma and the relationship between tumor thickness and regional nodal involvement: a pilot study in a semi urban population in New Delhi, India

“…As many as 75 percent of oral cancers are linked to modifiable behaviors such as tobacco use, chewing betel, 'paan' and excessive alcohol consumption. 3 The popularity of addictive habits along with cultural, ethnic and geographic factors have all played a vital role in the high incidence of oral carcinoma in India. In many Asian cultures chewing betel, paan, and areca is known to be a strong risk factor for developing oral cancer.…”

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in N0 Neck for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oral Cavity: a Prospective Study

“…Oral cancers are one of the commonest cancers and ranks number one in terms of incidence among men and third among women [1]. In the west, cancer of the tongue and the floor of the mouth are common, whereas in the Indian subcontinent, the cancers of gingival and buccal mucosa are common due to placement of tobacco quid in the oral cavity.…”