By Rohit More Rising Oral Cancer Cases in India: 57% Occur Without Tobacco or Alcohol Use
Kochi: The number of oral cancer cases is significantly rising in India, particularly among individuals with no history of tobacco or alcohol use, according to a study conducted by a major hospital in Kerala’s Kochi. VPS Lakeshore Hospital released alarming data based on research by their Department of Head and Neck. The study found that 57% of oral cancer cases observed in recent years were in individuals with no prior history of tobacco or alcohol use.
Key Findings of the Study
The study, conducted over a span of 10 years from July 2014 to July 2024 among 515 patients, revealed crucial insights:
- Anatomical Distribution:
- 61% of cases were linked to tongue cancer
- 19% were found in the buccal mucosa
- 3% in the floor of the mouth
- 3% in the lower alveolus
- Remaining cases in the upper alveolus
- Gender and Comorbidities:
- 75.5% of the affected individuals were men, while 24.5% were women
- 58.9% of patients had comorbidities, with 30% suffering from multiple conditions
- 41.4% of patients were free from any comorbidities
- Cancer Stages at Diagnosis:
- 54.7% were diagnosed at an early stage
- 45.3% were found to have advanced-stage cancer
Addictions and Risk Factors
Among oral cancer patients with addictions:
- 64.03% had a history of chewing tobacco
- 51.2% reported smoking tobacco
- 42.3% had a history of alcohol consumption
- 45.3% had multiple addictive habits
While tobacco-related cancers remain prevalent across India, Kerala presents a unique trend. The research indicates that tongue cancer accounts for 64% of oral cancer cases in the state, unlike other regions where buccal mucosa cancer, strongly linked to tobacco use, is more dominant.
The rising number of oral cancer cases among non-smokers and non-drinkers calls for further investigation into other risk factors such as genetics, diet, viral infections, and environmental pollutants. This study underscores the need for early screening and awareness programs to detect and treat oral cancer at an early stage.