Head and neck cancers on the rise in India, tobacco major cause: Experts

India is witnessing a significant increase in the incidence of head and neck cancers with projections estimating 21 million new cancer cases by 2040 healthcare experts said on SaturdayOn the World Head and Neck Cancer Day experts said this alarming trend underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors and the implementation of effective public health strategiesA recent study by Delhibased NGO Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation highlighted that at least 26 per cent of cancer patients in India have head and neck cancerIndia is seeing a surge in head and neck cancer cases especially among young men due to increased tobacco consumption and Human Papillomavirus HPV Around 8090 per cent of oral cancer patients have been found to use tobacco in some form be it smoking or chewing Ashish Gupta senior oncologist who is heading Cancer Mukt Bharat campaign in India told IANSAccording to Sanjay Deshmukh Director surgical oncology at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune tobacco use remains the most substantial risk factor for head and neck cancers in the countrySmokeless tobacco products like gutkha and khaini which are widely consumed contain carcinogens that significantly increase cancer risk Alcohol consumption is another critical factor contributing to the rise in head and neck cancers Deshmukh informedWhen combined with tobacco use the carcinogenic effects are compounded leading to a higher incidence of these cancersThe World Health Organisation WHO highlights that alcohol consumption is associated with cancers of the oral cavity pharynx larynx and oesophagusThe use of betel leaf and areca nut often combined with tobacco is a common cultural practice in IndiaThis practice known locally as paan is a wellestablished risk factor for head and neck cancers said expertsThe International Agency for Research on Cancer IARC has classified areca nut as a Group 1 carcinogen and its use in combination with tobacco and slaked lime significantly increases the risk of cancerWhile HPVrelated head and neck cancers have been more prevalent in Western countries India is witnessing a rise in HPV infectionsHPV is linked to oropharyngeal cancers and its increasing prevalence in India highlights a growing area of concernThe lack of comprehensive HPV vaccination programs and awareness further complicates the situation said DeshmukhAccording to Vineet Kaul consultantsurgical oncologist at Oncology Centre CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram at an individual level we can take certain preventive steps such as living a healthy lifestyle which includes mild to moderate exercise on a daily basisMaintain a wellbalanced diet and drink plenty of water daily People should undergo routine annual oral examination by a dentist or an ENT professional to ensure that any cancerous growth which has started developing in the mouth can be detected early Kaul suggestedAlso ReadChandipura virus Know all about the infection that has claimed childrens lives in GujaratThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever