Indian Dental Association to organize oral cancer screening camp

MANGALORE: Indian Dental Association (IDA) has joined hands with Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON trust) and Biocon Oncotherapeutics to organize oral cancer screening across India to raise awareness about oral cancer from September 1 to 7. The screenings will highlight ill effects of tobacco consumption and to save our future generation from the threat and is also supported by organization including Indian Cancer Society.
The screening will take place at special clinics and mobile units. More than 126 doctors from 17 states will be participating by offering a free screening to more than 25,000 patients and create a record for Limca Book of Records. In India, tobacco products are the main cause for 10 lakh deaths each year. Tobacco is only legal product when used according to manufacturer instructions kills or causes disease in more than half the people who consume it.
Tobacco is highly addictive and is classified by WHO as a habit which is a disease. It contains 3,095 chemicals of which 28 are proven to cause cancer and it is the number one reason for the cancer in India. Tobacco companies spend more than Rs 3 lakh/minute in tobacco advertising. Global Adult Tobacco Survey by the union ministry of health and family welfare shows that 35% of adult population in India is consuming tobacco.
Oral cancer is the most concerning cancer in India and major threat. Root cause for increase in number of deaths is due to ignorance. It has been estimated that more than 7-lakh new cases of cancer are registered every year in India of which cancer caused due to consumption of tobacco is 3-lakh accounting for 2,000 deaths/day. Treatment cost for oral cancer is high and costs more than 3.5 lakh. However through adaption of prevention methods like change in lifestyle and regular screening can reduce the chances of oral cancer.