Ignoring a sore throat that won’t go away, brushing off a mouth ulcer as “just an ulcer,” or assuming a small lump in the neck is nothing serious these are things most people do without a second thought. Yet these ordinary, easy-to-dismiss symptoms are sometimes the earliest signals of head and neck cancer, a disease group that is highly treatable when caught in time, but is often diagnosed late simply because the warning signs don’t look alarming enough. That’s the message behind World Head and Neck Cancer Day, observed every year on 27 July. What Is World Head and Neck Cancer Day ? World Head and Neck Cancer Day is observed globally on 27 July, led by the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies with support from the Union for International Cancer Control. The goal is straightforward: build awareness around a group of cancers that is common, largely preventable, and, when detected early, one of the more treatable forms of the disease. Understanding Head and Neck Cancer Head and neck cancer isn’t one disease but a group of cancers that can develop in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands. The most common form, squamous cell carcinoma, begins in the thin lining of these areas. India carries a heavier share of this burden than most parts of the world, and men are affected far more often than women largely a reflection of tobacco use. Global disease-burden estimates put India’s age-standardised incidence at roughly 25.9 per 100,000 among men, compared to about 8.0 per 100,000 among women. Oral and throat cancers, in particular, remain far more common here than in most other countries. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore: Not every ulcer or sore throat is cause for worry. But a symptom that refuses to go away is. Doctors recommend getting evaluated if you notice: A mouth ulcer or sore that hasn’t healed in two to three weeks Hoarseness or a change in voice that lingers A painless lump in the neck Difficulty swallowing that keeps getting worse Blood in the saliva without an obvious cause Persistent ear pain even when the ear itself checks out normal None of these symptoms automatically point to cancer. But persistence is the detail that matters something unusual that lasts weeks rather than days is worth a proper look. What Raises the Risk A handful of habits account for most head and neck cancer cases seen in India: Tobacco, in every form cigarettes, bidis, gutka, khaini, and pan masala remains the single biggest risk factor Alcohol use, particularly when combined with tobacco, which raises the risk far more than either habit alone HPV infection, an increasingly recognised risk factor, especially for cancers of the throat and tonsils, even in people who have never smoked The encouraging part is that most of these risk factors are within a person’s control. Why Early Detection Changes the Outcome? Timing is everything with this group of cancers. When caught early, treatment is often simpler and comes with a far better chance of preserving speech, swallowing, and appearance. Left unnoticed, the same cancer can progress to a stage where treatment becomes longer, more complex, and more life-altering. A surgical oncologist plays a key role in evaluating suspicious symptoms, confirming the diagnosis, and planning the most appropriate treatment. Seeking specialist care at the right time can significantly improve treatment outcomes while helping preserve essential functions such as speaking, swallowing, and breathing. It’s a pattern specialists in this field consistently see: patients who act on early symptoms tend to have simpler treatment journeys and considerably better outcomes. Dr. Bhavin Vadodariya, based in Ahmedabad, has extensive experience in treating cancers of the head, neck, and thyroid. He frequently sees patients who could have been diagnosed weeks or even months earlier if persistent symptoms had not been dismissed as something minor. His message is simple: the earliest signs are often subtle, making them easy to overlook but they should never be ignored. World Head and Neck Cancer Day isn’t about assuming the worst every time you feel unwell. It’s a reminder to take your body’s signals seriously. If a sore throat, mouth ulcer, or hoarse voice has stuck around longer than it should, don’t wait it out get it examined. Dr. Bhavin Vadodariya and specialists across the field agree on one point: awareness only helps when it’s followed by timely action. A short visit to a specialist today could spare a much harder journey later. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the article are media marketing initiative and do not represent the stand and views of Mid-Day Group. Mid-Day Group disclaims any and all liability to any party, company or product for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from the use of this content.

Mis Skin, a new dermatology and aesthetics clinic group founded by Dr. Rajaram Sundaramurthy and Shelly Lather, formally launched today with a grand ceremony at JW Marriott, Mallya Road, marking its debut across five locations in Bengaluru - Sadashiva Nagar, Raja Rajeshwari Nagar, HRBR Layout, HSR Layout, and Jayanagar. The Mis Skin logo was unveiled by Mr. N.A. Haris, MLA (Shanti Nagar) and Chairman of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), in the presence of dignitaries, medical practitioners, business leaders, and Bengaluru's cultural community. Also present on the occasion were Mr. Zulfikar, brother of Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader; noted businessman Mr. Shaji Thomas; and leading Kannada film industry figures including actors Chandu Gowda, Dileep Shetty, and Preeti. The evening was further graced by Riya and Sherryll, daughters of founder Shelly Lather, socialites Babita Sharma and Ram Chugh, along with several senior doctors, prominent Bengaluru entrepreneurs, and top city-based influencers. Central to the launch was the introduction of "The Root Protocol" - Mis Skin's proprietary seven-step diagnostic methodology designed to identify the underlying causes of skin concerns before recommending any course of treatment. "Every skin concern has an origin. We built The Root Protocol so that no patient begins a treatment plan without first understanding what's actually happening beneath the surface," said Dr. Rajaram Sundaramurthy, Co-Founder of Mis Skin. "Our commitment to the people of Bengaluru is clinical care that is thorough, honest, and doctor-led - from the very first assessment." Shelly Lather, Co-Founder of Mis Skin, added, "I have spent years, like many women, trying to understand my own skin - and I have often been offered treatments before questions. Mis Skin exists to reverse that order. Assessment first. Always." The evening also unveiled Mis Skin's clinical infrastructure, showcasing a suite of US FDA-approved treatment devices from global technology partners including Spectra, Skinnovation, and Photonence. These platforms will power the clinic group's dermatological and aesthetic offerings across pigmentation, acne, anti-ageing, hair concerns, and skin resurfacing. With five clinics operational from launch day, Mis Skin positions itself as one of Bengaluru's largest single-brand dermatology and aesthetics networks, addressing the city's growing demand for medically supervised, protocol-driven skin care. ABOUT Mis Skin Mis Skin is a Bengaluru-based dermatology and aesthetics clinic group founded by Dr. Rajaram Sundaramurthy and Shelly Lather. Operating across five locations - Sadashiva Nagar, Raja Rajeshwari Nagar, HRBR Layout, HSR Layout, and Jayanagar - the clinic offers doctor-led care anchored by its proprietary Root Protocol methodology and US FDA-approved treatment platforms. Instagram: @miss_skinclinic MEDIA CONTACT Mis Skin Clinic 1st Floor, Princeton Court, 13th Cross Rd, Sadashiva Nagar, Bengaluru 560080 Phone: +91 95386 66485 Instagram: @miss_skinclinic