Mouth cancer, a form of head and neck cancer, is more common in men over 40. In India, 77,003 new cases and 52,067 deaths were reported this year. “Early detection significantly improves survival chances,” but many cases are only found after spreading to the neck’s lymph nodes.

Common types affect the lip, tongue, cheek, gum, and floor of the mouth. Symptoms include “non-healing blisters, swelling, unexplained bleeding,” loose teeth, difficulty swallowing, mouth or tongue pain, and red or white patches. These signs aren’t always cancer but “persistent symptoms should never be ignored.”

Tobacco and alcohol use are the main causes. “Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as chewing tobacco, are major contributors.” Alcohol worsens the risk when combined with tobacco.

Mouth cancer has four stages, from small localized tumors to widespread spread. Treatment depends on the stage and may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted drugs.

Regular dental checkups and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are key to prevention. “About 80% of mouth cancer cases are linked to tobacco,” and early detection offers an 82% survival rate. Neglecting oral health often leads to late diagnosis and poorer outcomes.