Oral cancer, a type of head-and-neck cancer, remains a serious health issue in India, with around **77,000 new cases** and **over 52,000 deaths** reported this year.

Men over 40 are most at risk, especially those who use tobacco (smoked or chewed), drink alcohol, consume betel nut, or have long-term sun exposure to the lips. Experts warn that “oral cancers are often diagnosed late,” after spreading to neck lymph nodes, which greatly reduces survival chances.

The most affected areas are the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and floor of the mouth. Warning signs include persistent sores, red or white patches, lumps, bleeding, numbness, or difficulty swallowing and chewing.

Prevention involves avoiding risk factors, getting HPV vaccination when appropriate, and having professional oral checkups at least twice a year. Any lesion lasting more than two weeks should be examined by a dentist or oncologist immediately.

Specialists like **Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit** provide diagnosis, staging, and treatments such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. With regular screenings, healthy habits, and early detection, the chances of cure and quality of life can improve significantly.