Oral, Breast, and Cervical Cancer: The Cancers India Can Catch Early

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Cancer is often associated with late diagnosis and difficult treatment. However, in India, three of the most common cancers: oral, breast, and cervical cancer, can be detected early, when treatment is simpler, and survival rates are much higher. The key lies in awareness, regular screening, and not ignoring early warning signs.

On this World Cancer Day, we spoke to Dr Madhavi Nair, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road and Varthur, Bengaluru, who explained how Indians could detect cancer early on.

Oral Cancer

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Oral cancer is very common in India, mainly because of the widespread use of tobacco in forms such as cigarettes, gutkha, paan, and khaini. Alcohol consumption further increases the risk.

"The early signs of oral cancer are usually easy to notice. These include mouth ulcers that do not heal, white or red spots within the mouth, pain during chewing, trouble in swallowing, unexplained bleeding, or a bulge in the mouth or neck. A simple oral examination can help detect problems at an early stage," said Dr Nair.

When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. Unfortunately, many people tend to postpone a visit to a doctor, thinking that mouth ulcers or pain are not serious problems. As a result, the condition is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat.

Breast Cancer

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Breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer in women in India. Often, it is diagnosed late because of a lack of awareness or because the patient is reluctant to consult a doctor.

"Self-examination of the breast, medical check-ups, and mammograms can aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast or underarm area, differences in the size and shape of the breasts, nipple discharge, puckering of the skin, or redness. If there is any unusual change, it should be brought to the notice of the doctor," explained Dr Nair.

Early-stage breast cancer usually requires less aggressive treatment and offers better chances of recovery and long-term survival.

Cervical Cancer

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One of the few cancers that is largely preventable is cervical cancer. This is largely caused by the infection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

"Pap smear and HPV test can be utilised for screening, which can detect irregularities in the cervix years before the development of cancer. Due to a lack of awareness or limited access to healthcare, many Indian women are not screened regularly," added Dr Nair.

The HPV vaccine is an excellent preventive measure against the virus and is a vital tool in preventing cervical cancer, especially when administered at a young age.

Why Early Detection Matters

Dr Nair concluded, "Detecting cancer early can save lives. It cuts down on the need for long-term care, lowers medical expenses and makes life better. Paying attention to symptoms, going for regular check-ups, and encouraging screening can make a real difference. With timely action and the right awareness, oral, breast, and cervical cancers can be caught early and treated successfully."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.