A small sore that won’t heal. A white patch on your tongue. Numbness in your lip that lingers for weeks.
These may seem like minor annoyances—but they could be early warning signs of oral cancer, a disease that claims over 52,000 lives in India every year.
The good news? Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. But because it often develops silently, awareness and vigilance are your best defenses.
🔍 What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including:
Lips
Tongue (front or base)
Gums
Inner cheeks (buccal mucosa)
Floor or roof of the mouth
Throat (oropharynx)
In India, it’s one of the most common cancers, largely due to high rates of tobacco use—but it can affect anyone, including non-smokers.
⚠️ 7 Early Warning Signs You Should NEVER Ignore
If any of these symptoms last more than 2 weeks, see a dentist or doctor immediately:
Persistent mouth sore that doesn’t heal (even if painless)
Red or white patches on gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
Lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth or neck
Unexplained bleeding from the mouth
Numbness or pain in the lips, tongue, chin, or neck
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw/tongue
Loose teeth without dental cause + chronic bad breath
🚨 Silent signs: Ear pain without hearing loss, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, or a feeling that something is “stuck” in your throat.
🚬 Top Risk Factors (Especially in India):
