Oral Cancer Screening: Why It Matters (Especially If You Chew Tobacco)

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, and one of the most treatable when it is found early. Yet many people only see a doctor when the problem has already advanced. A quick, painless screening can change that.

Who is at higher risk?

• People who chew tobacco, gutka or paan masala, or use areca (supari) products
• Smokers: cigarettes, bidis and hookah
• People who drink alcohol regularly (the risk rises further when combined with tobacco)
• Anyone with a persistent white or red patch in the mouth

Warning signs to watch for

• A mouth ulcer or sore that hasn't healed in about three weeks
• White or red patches inside the mouth or on the tongue
• A lump, thickening or rough area in the cheek, tongue or neck
• Pain or difficulty when chewing, swallowing or speaking
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully: common with heavy gutka and paan masala use
• Persistent numbness, unexplained bleeding or teeth that loosen for no clear reason

Having one of these doesn't mean you have cancer (most are caused by something harmless), but they should always be checked.

What does an oral cancer screening involve?

A dentist looks carefully inside your mouth, tongue, cheeks, palate and throat, and gently feels the neck and jaw for lumps. It takes only a few minutes and doesn't hurt. If anything looks suspicious, you may be advised to have a small tissue sample taken (a biopsy) or be referred to a specialist for further tests.

What you can do

• Stop tobacco and areca-nut products: the single most important step. Support is available; ask your dentist or doctor.
• Check your own mouth in the mirror once a month.
• Get any non-healing ulcer or patch examined promptly.
• Have regular dental check-ups that include an oral cancer screening.

At Shree Hari Dental Care, oral cancer screening is part of our preventive care, and we also hold oral cancer screening camps. If you or someone in your family uses tobacco in any form, book a screening. It takes a few minutes and could make all the difference.