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Oral Cancer
Why in the News?
A study conducted by Tata Memorial reveals that oral cancer is significantly impacting India’s workforce, resulting in an economic loss of $5.6 billion in 2022.
Impact
The study revealed a significant impact of oral cancer on productivity and economic loss.
- Demographic dividend loss: Oral cancer undermines India’s demographic dividend by lowering productivity and increasing economic strain.
- Over three years, 100 patients collectively lost 671 productive years, with 29.8% in early stages and 70.2% in advanced stages.
- 91 per cent of the deaths or terminal stages were among patients with a median age of 41.5 years.
- Out of Pocket Expenditure: The substantial economic losses from cancer medication devastate families’ financial well-being.
- These losses surpassed Rs 57 lakh for men and Rs 71 lakh for women, highlighting the significant financial burden of the disease.
- Middle class affected: Cancer disproportionately affects India’s middle class, imposing significant financial strain and threatening economic stability.
- Both early (70%) and advanced (86%) stage cancers predominantly affect the middle class.
- Over half (53%) of patients require insurance or financial support to complete treatment.
About Oral Cancer
Symptoms
- Persistent mouth sores or ulcers.
- Difficulty or pain while swallowing.
- Presence of a lump or thickening in the mouth.
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
- Changes in voice or speech.
- Loose teeth
- Definition: Oral cancer refers to malignant tumours that develop in the tissues of the mouth or throat.Types: It includes cancers of the lips, tongue, gums, inside lining of the cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, and the tonsils.
- Risk factors: Tobacco use, Alcohol consumption, unhygienic oral condition, sustained viral infections that include papillomavirus, Prolonged exposure to sunlight (Lip cancer), etc.
Treatment
- Surgery: To remove cancerous tissue (Glossectomy, Mandibulectomy, Maxillectomy, etc.)
- Radiation therapy: To target and destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth.
- Targeted therapy: To employ drugs to pinpoint and attack specific cancer cells, sparing normal cells.
- Monoclonal antibodies, lab-created immune system proteins, are utilised for cancer treatment.