Oral cancer is becoming a major public health concern in India, with nearly 77,000 new cases and over 52,000 deaths reported this year. It primarily affects men over 40, but younger individuals are also at risk. The disease is strongly linked to lifestyle factors, particularly tobacco use.

Chewing or smoking tobacco is the leading cause, made worse by the easy availability and social acceptance of smokeless tobacco products. Alcohol consumption significantly raises the risk, especially when combined with tobacco. Another key contributor is betel-nut chewing—a traditional practice in many Indian communities—which contains cancer-causing compounds.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially among outdoor workers like farmers and street vendors, increases the risk of lip cancer. Despite these clear risks, many cases are detected only in advanced stages due to low awareness and lack of access to medical care.

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, but prevention remains the best approach. Public health efforts must focus on educating the population, promoting regular screenings, and discouraging harmful habits. Oral cancer is largely preventable, and with the right measures, countless lives could be saved.