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Experts have identified tobacco and alcohol as the primary factors driving the increasing incidence of head and neck cancers (HNC) in India, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and awareness campaigns to address this concerning trend.
Head and neck cancer encompasses various anatomical sub-sites, including the tongue, mouth, pharynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, and larynx, among others. According to Dr. Mudit Agarwal, Unit Head & Senior Consultant in Head & Neck Oncology at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), India is recognized as the head and neck cancer capital of the world, with HNC accounting for approximately 17 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases in the country.
Dr. Agarwal emphasized that mouth cancer is particularly prevalent among males in India, attributing this trend to the prevalent lifestyle practices, especially in northern regions, where tobacco consumption, whether through smoking or chewing, is widespread.
Comparing the prevalence rates between India and Western countries, Dr. Ashish Gupta, Chief Oncologist at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre, Delhi, and head of the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign in India, underscored the stark difference. While head and neck cancers represent 27.5 percent of all cancers in India, they only account for 4 percent of cancer cases in Western countries. Dr. Gupta highlighted that these cancers disproportionately affect the male population in India and rank fourth in incidence among females.
The experts pointed to changing lifestyles, increased longevity, and addiction to tobacco and alcohol as the key drivers behind the rising burden of head and neck cancers. Dr. Ashish emphasized that heavy users of both tobacco and alcohol face a significantly elevated risk, with a 35-fold higher likelihood of developing these cancers.
One of the challenges in India is the late presentation of patients, with 60-70 percent seeking medical attention at an advanced stage. This delays timely intervention and often necessitates radical treatments that may have disfiguring effects. However, advancements in medical technology, such as jaw reconstruction surgery, computer-assisted 3D designing, and facial reanimation techniques, are improving patient outcomes and focusing on rehabilitation.
As the incidence of head and neck cancers continues to rise in India, experts stress the importance of early detection, lifestyle modifications, and comprehensive cancer care. Efforts to raise awareness about the risks associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption are essential in curbing the prevalence of these cancers and improving overall public health in India.
