Mouth cancer, or oral cancer, is a serious disease that develops in various parts of the mouth, such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth. It is often grouped with head and neck cancers and is more common in men over 40. In India alone, over 77,000 new cases and 52,000 deaths were reported in a single year—mainly due to late detection. Early diagnosis greatly improves survival, making regular dental checkups essential.

Common causes include smoking, tobacco chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and viral infections like HPV. Early symptoms are often subtle or go unnoticed, earning oral cancer the label of a “silent disease.” Warning signs may include non-healing mouth sores, lumps, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or red/white patches in the mouth.

Oral cancer progresses through four stages, becoming harder to treat as it advances. While early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery alone, advanced stages often require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Prevention is possible. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, practicing good oral hygiene, and getting regular screenings can significantly reduce risk. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt care can save lives. Awareness and proactive health choices are key to reducing oral cancer’s toll.