0
0
New Delhi, July 28, 2024 — India is witnessing a significant surge in the incidence of head and neck cancers, with projections estimating 2.1 million new cancer cases by 2040, healthcare experts revealed on Saturday. This alarming trend was highlighted during the observance of World Head and Neck Cancer Day, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors and the implementation of effective public health strategies.
A recent study conducted by the Delhi-based NGO Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation revealed that at least 26 percent of cancer patients in India suffer from head and neck cancer. This statistic brings to light the growing concern among medical professionals.
“India is seeing a surge in head and neck cancer cases, especially among young men, due to increased tobacco consumption and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Around 80-90 percent of oral cancer patients have been found to use tobacco in some form, be it smoking or chewing,” said Ashish Gupta, a senior oncologist and head of the Cancer Mukt Bharat campaign in India.
Sanjay Deshmukh, Director of Surgical Oncology at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, emphasized that tobacco use remains the most substantial risk factor for head and neck cancers in the country. “Smokeless tobacco products like gutkha and khaini, which are widely consumed, contain carcinogens that significantly increase cancer risk. Alcohol consumption is another critical factor contributing to the rise in head and neck cancers,” Deshmukh explained. The combination of tobacco and alcohol use compounds the carcinogenic effects, leading to a higher incidence of these cancers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted that alcohol consumption is associated with cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus. Additionally, the use of betel leaf and areca nut, often combined with tobacco in a practice known locally as paan, is a well-established risk factor for head and neck cancers. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified areca nut as a Group 1 carcinogen, and its use in combination with tobacco and slaked lime significantly increases the risk of cancer.
While HPV-related head and neck cancers have been more prevalent in Western countries, India is witnessing a rise in HPV infections. “HPV is linked to oropharyngeal cancers, and its increasing prevalence in India highlights a growing area of concern. The lack of comprehensive HPV vaccination programs and awareness further complicates the situation,” Deshmukh added.
Vineet Kaul, a consultant surgical oncologist at the Oncology Centre of CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, suggested that individuals can take preventive steps to mitigate their risk. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including mild to moderate daily exercise, a well-balanced diet, and adequate hydration, can help. Additionally, routine annual oral examinations by a dentist or an ENT professional can ensure early detection of any cancerous growths in the mouth,” Kaul advised.
As India grapples with the rising incidence of head and neck cancers, healthcare experts stress the importance of targeted public health strategies, increased awareness, and early detection to combat this growing threat effectively.
