Mumbai: Given the rising cases of oral cancer, Merck Specialties Pvt. Ltd. launched a campaign ‘Two-minute initiative for Oral Cancer Safety’ in Mumbai in collaboration with KG Mittal Hospital. This nationwide effort aims to curb the rising cases of oral cancer and make people aware of self-examination.
Under this initiative, patients visiting hospitals will also be encouraged to self-examine, where mirrors will be installed at strategic places in the waiting rooms. Dr. Jehan Dhabar (Consultant Medical Oncologist), Dr. Jimmy Mirani (Consultant Medical Oncologist), and Dr. Delnaz J. Dhabar (MD Physician & Palliative Care Expert), along with medical staff, were present on the occasion.
Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr. Jehan Dhabar (BND Onco Center) said that head and neck cancer is very common in India, and oral cancer is the fastest-growing. About 65% of patients come to the doctor late, which delays treatment. Due to a lack of timely treatment, the patient may also die. Therefore, by examining yourself in front of the mirror for just two minutes every month, this cancer can be caught early, and treatment can be easier.
India is called the head and neck cancer capital because more than two lakh people in India suffer from head and neck cancer every year, which is the highest in the world. In 2022, more than 1 lakh cases of lip and oral cancer were reported alone. If the rest of the head and neck cancer sub-sites are added, it will be equal to 20-25% of the total cancer cases in men. Unfortunately, in India, 60-70% of patients are diagnosed with cancer in the third or fourth stage.
Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr. Jimmy Mirani (BND Onco Center) said that a two-minute self-examination every month is very important. If symptoms like white or red spots in the mouth, non-healing sores, bleeding, loose teeth, swelling in the throat or jaw, difficulty in swallowing, or a change in voice are noticed, then contact the doctor immediately.
MD Physician and Palliative Care Expert Dr. Delnaz J. Dhabar (BND Onco Center) said that in view of the increasing cases of oral cancer in the country, timely diagnosis and treatment are very important.
Oral cancer is usually caused by tobacco, alcohol, and HPV. If the disease is detected late, then treatment becomes difficult. Therefore, it is important that people do regular self-examination and do not ignore the early symptoms. The aim of the “Two-minute check-up to prevent oral cancer” campaign is to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease so that the patient’s life can be saved.