Mouth cancer is a serious health issue, particularly prevalent in India where it causes a significant number of new cases and deaths annually. This disease often goes unnoticed, despite its growing impact on public health.

The condition mainly affects men over the age of 40 and has strong links to lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and inadequate oral hygiene. These risk factors contribute heavily to the development of mouth cancer.

Early symptoms can be subtle, including persistent mouth sores, difficulty swallowing, or lumps in the neck area. Unfortunately, these signs are frequently ignored or mistaken for minor issues, delaying diagnosis.

Timely detection of mouth cancer drastically improves the chances of survival, increasing the rate up to 82%. In contrast, diagnosing the disease at a later stage reduces survival rates significantly, down to 27%.

For those who smoke, drink, or experience unusual symptoms, seeking immediate medical or dental advice is critical. Regular dental check-ups—at least twice a year—are essential for early identification and prevention.

Ultimately, while the mouth may not loudly announce distress, it sends important warnings. Paying attention to these signs early can save lives and improve outcomes for those affected by mouth cancer.