Oral Cancer Awareness Dialogue and Free Health Screening Camp Held at Ranchi Press Club
Ranchi: India is witnessing an alarming rise in oral cancer cases, with tobacco consumption emerging as the single biggest contributor to the disease, leading cancer specialists warned during an Oral Cancer Awareness Dialogue organised at Ranchi Press Club on Friday.
Addressing journalists and members of the public, Dr. Sachender Pal Singh, Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Head and Neck) at Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, a unit of Tata Cancer Care Foundation, urged people not to delay quitting tobacco.
“Do not wait for a future date to stop tobacco use. The right time is now. No form of tobacco and no amount of it is safe,” he said.
India Among Countries Bearing the Highest Oral Cancer Burden
Dr. Singh noted that India accounts for one of the highest burdens of oral cancer globally, largely due to the widespread use of smokeless tobacco products such as khaini, gutkha, zarda, and other chewing tobacco variants.
He cautioned that tobacco addiction is no longer confined to adults, with a growing number of adolescents and young people falling prey to the habit.
Survey Reveals Early Tobacco Exposure Among Students
Referring to a survey conducted among school students in Ranchi, Dr. Singh revealed that nearly eight percent of respondents admitted to using tobacco in some form. Most of them had started the habit between the ages of 10 and 15.
“This is deeply concerning because oral cancer does not develop overnight. In many cases, it begins with tobacco habits acquired during adolescence and gradually progresses over the years,” he said.
Tobacco and Alcohol: A Deadly Combination
Health experts at the event explained that tobacco contains numerous carcinogenic substances that continuously damage body cells and DNA, significantly increasing the risk of cancer.
The danger becomes even greater when tobacco use is combined with alcohol consumption. According to Dr. Singh, studies have shown that individuals who consume both tobacco and alcohol may face a 15 to 30 times higher risk of developing cancers of the mouth, throat, and food pipe compared to non-users.
Early Detection Can Save Lives
Highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis, Dr. Singh said oral cancer is highly treatable when detected in its early stages. However, due to a lack of awareness, many patients seek medical help only after the disease has advanced considerably.
“In advanced cases, treatment may require complex surgeries, including removal of parts of the jaw or tongue, followed by reconstructive procedures,” he said.
He added that Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre is equipped with advanced head-and-neck cancer surgery and reconstructive treatment facilities to manage such cases effectively.
Warning Signs Should Never Be Ignored
The oncologist urged people to seek immediate medical consultation if they experience symptoms such as mouth ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, persistent white or red patches inside the mouth, difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing problems, voice changes, or lumps in the neck.
Health Benefits Begin Within Minutes of Quitting Tobacco
Experts at the programme also highlighted that the body starts responding positively within just 20 minutes of quitting tobacco. Over time, the risks of heart disease, lung disorders, and various forms of cancer decline significantly.
Free Cancer Screening Camp Organised
Alongside the awareness session, Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre organised a free health screening camp offering oral, cervical, and breast cancer examinations. Participants were educated about cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes that can reduce cancer risk.
The programme was introduced by Ranchi Press Club President Shambhu Nath Chaudhary and moderated by Executive Committee Member Saurabh Shukla. The vote of thanks was delivered by Joint Secretary Chandan Bhattacharya.
Several senior journalists, Press Club office-bearers, media professionals, and their family members attended the event in large numbers.
