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Ishita Srivastava

Oncologists Warns Of The Cancer Rising Among Women in India

Oncologist Warns Of The Cancer Rising Among Women in India

Once rare, cancer diagnoses have become increasingly common as people continue to work long hours, suffer through high stress, have irregular meals, do not have a sleeping routine and have easy access to harmful substances such as alcohol and <span>tobacco</span>. 

As officials sound the alarm over rising cases of colorectal and cervical cancer, Dr Sewanti Limaye, Head of Oncology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital &amp; Research Centre, Mumbai, warns that oral cavity cancer cases are now as high as <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">breast cancer</a></span> cases. 

“It’s been nine years now that I have been back in India, and the first few observations that I had were of the people working at my place with women chewing tobacco. I would run after them to spit it out. 

"It’s such a common practice. Oral cavity cancers are also on the rise. Huge problem statement in India,” she told Soha Ali Khan while on her podcast.

<h2>What Is <span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/oral-cancer">Oral Cancer</a></span>?</h2>

Oral cancer is a wide term for cancer that affects the inside of your mouth and it typically presents itself as white patches or sores that bleed.  It can occur on the:

<ul><li>Lips.</li><li>Gums.</li><li>Tongue.</li><li>Inner lining of the cheeks.</li><li>Roof of the mouth.</li><li>Floor of the mouth </li></ul>

Dr Hitesh Singhavi, consultant, head and neck oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane noted: “Tobacco, chewing Areca nut, alcohol, chronic irritation from sharp teeth, and poor oral hygiene constantly irritate the mouth lining. Over the years, this ongoing damage hinders healing and raises the risk of abnormal cell growth. A small ulcer or patch can often go unnoticed."

Left untreated, oral cancer can easily spread throughout your mouth and throat to other areas of your head and neck, becoming metastatic and ultimately, incurable. Some common symptoms include:

<ul><li>A lip or mouth sore that won't heal.</li><li>A white or reddish patch on the inside of the mouth.</li><li>Loose teeth.</li><li>A growth or lump inside the mouth.</li><li>Mouth pain.</li><li>Ear pain.</li><li>Difficult or painful swallowing.</li></ul>“Small mouth sores, white patches, or stiffness similar to benign ulcers are often ignored or treated with home remedies. Since eating and speaking continue as normal, the urgency to address these issues fades,” said <span>Dr Singhavi</span> said.

Eating tobacco, drinking excessive alcohol, sun exposure on the lips, HPV exposure and a weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. 

It is estimated that about 60,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported annually in India and five people die from the cause every hour. It is the most common cancer in Indian men and third most common in women, with roughly 20 in 100,000 people affected.

<h2>Why Is Is Oral Cancer Increasing In Women?</h2>

Unlike breast cancer, the rise in oral cancer cases is mostly due to an increase in tobacco use among women as this cancer is driven more by lifestyle exposure than by gender biology, according to Dr Singhavi. 

“Unlike breast cancer, which is influenced by multiple biological and hormonal factors, oral cavity cancer is largely driven by lifestyle choices. This means that while the disease burden is high, it is also one of the most preventable cancers. 

The rising numbers reflect not just medical risk, but a public health and behavioural challenge that needs far greater awareness and intervention,” the expert explained. 

Doctors advise avoiding tobacco in any form, cutting down on alcohol, maintaining oral hygiene, staying active and seeking prompt evaluation for persistent mouth changes can greatly reduce risk.

“Oral cavity cancer is mostly preventable. Being aware of daily habits and paying attention to minor symptoms can stop the disease before it progresses,” said Dr Singhavi.

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Once rare, cancer diagnoses have become increasingly common as people continue to work long hours, suffer through high stress, have irregular meals, do not have a sleeping routine and have easy access to harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco. As officials sound the alarm over rising cases of colorectal and cervical cancer, Dr Sewanti Limaye, Head of Oncology at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai, warns that oral cavity cancer cases are now as high as breast cancer cases. “It’s been nine years now that I have been back in India, and the first few observations that I had were of the people working at my place with women chewing tobacco. I would run after them to spit it out. "It’s such a common practice. Oral cavity cancers are also on the rise. Huge problem statement in India,” she told Soha Ali Khan while on her podcast.What Is Oral Cancer?Oral cancer is a wide term for cancer that affects the inside of your mouth and it typically presents itself as white patches or sores that bleed.  It can occur on the:Lips.Gums.Tongue.Inner lining of the cheeks.Roof of the mouth.Floor of the mouth Dr Hitesh Singhavi, consultant, head and neck oncosurgery, KIMS Hospitals, Thane noted: “Tobacco, chewing Areca nut, alcohol, chronic irritation from sharp teeth, and poor oral hygiene constantly irritate the mouth lining. Over the years, this ongoing damage hinders healing and raises the risk of abnormal cell growth. A small ulcer or patch can often go unnoticed."Left untreated, oral cancer can easily spread throughout your mouth and throat to other areas of your head and neck, becoming metastatic and ultimately, incurable. Some common symptoms include:A lip or mouth sore that won't heal.A white or reddish patch on the inside of the mouth.Loose teeth.A growth or lump inside the mouth.Mouth pain.Ear pain.Difficult or painful swallowing.“Small mouth sores, white patches, or stiffness similar to benign ulcers are often ignored or treated with home remedies. Since eating and speaking continue as normal, the urgency to address these issues fades,” said Dr Singhavi said.Eating tobacco, drinking excessive alcohol, sun exposure on the lips, HPV exposure and a weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. It is estimated that about 60,000 new cases of oral cancer are reported annually in India and five people die from the cause every hour. It is the most common cancer in Indian men and third most common in women, with roughly 20 in 100,000 people affected.Why Is Is Oral Cancer Increasing In Women?Unlike breast cancer, the rise in oral cancer cases is mostly due to an increase in tobacco use among women as this cancer is driven more by lifestyle exposure than by gender biology, according to Dr Singhavi. “Unlike breast cancer, which is influenced by multiple biological and hormonal factors, oral cavity cancer is largely driven by lifestyle choices. This means that while the disease burden is high, it is also one of the most preventable cancers. The rising numbers reflect not just medical risk, but a public health and behavioural challenge that needs far greater awareness and intervention,” the expert explained. Doctors advise avoiding tobacco in any form, cutting down on alcohol, maintaining oral hygiene, staying active and seeking prompt evaluation for persistent mouth changes can greatly reduce risk.“Oral cavity cancer is mostly preventable. Being aware of daily habits and paying attention to minor symptoms can stop the disease before it progresses,” said Dr Singhavi.

oncologists warns of the cancer rising among women in india

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