🚬 Top Risk Factors (Especially in India)
Tobacco use (smoking or chewing): Linked to 80% of cases
Alcohol + tobacco combo: Multiplies risk by 30x
HPV infection (especially HPV-16): Rising cause of throat cancers
Poor oral hygiene: Chronic irritation increases vulnerability
Sun exposure: Major cause of lip cancer
Diet low in fruits/vegetables: Weakens natural cancer defenses
💡 Note: Oral cancer is increasingly affecting younger, non-smoking adults due to HPV.
🩺 Why Early Detection Saves Lives
Stage
Tumor Size/Spread
5-Year Survival Rate
Stage 1
<2 cm, no lymph nodes
80–90%
Stage 2
2–4 cm, no spread
70–80%
Stage 3
>4 cm or 1 lymph node
50–60%
Stage 4
Spread to tissues/organs
20–40%
✅ Key: Survival rates double when caught early.
🦷 What You Can Do Right Now
1. Perform a Monthly Self-Check
Use a mirror and flashlight to examine:
Lips (inside and out)
Gums
Tongue (top, sides, underside)
Roof and floor of mouth
Neck for lumps
2. See a Dentist Twice a Year
Dentists are trained to spot early lesions—even before you feel symptoms.
3. Reduce Your Risk
Quit tobacco (seek help—cessation programs work!)
Limit alcohol
Eat colorful fruits & vegetables daily
Use lip balm with SPF 30+
Get the HPV vaccine (recommended for ages 9–45)
4. Don’t Wait—Get Checked!
If something feels “off,” trust your gut. Early evaluation takes minutes—and could save your life.
💬 Final Thought
Your mouth is more than a place for food and speech—it’s a window into your overall health.
Ignoring a small sore might feel harmless… but in the case of oral cancer, time is tissue.
Take charge of your health. Check your mouth. See your dentist. Speak up if something feels wrong.
“The best treatment for cancer isn’t just medicine—it’s awareness.”
Have you or someone you know experienced an unusual mouth symptom? Did you get it checked? Share your story below—we’re all learning to protect our health together. 💙🫀
