Causes of oral cancer in youngsters: Lifestyle risks, late diagnosis, and how to fight back

Symptoms of oral cancer: Early signs include persistent ulcers, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding (Image: Pexels)

Oral cancer is no longer restricted to older people. This disease is increasingly affecting Indians in the age bracket of 30s and 40s. From smokeless tobacco, and supari to HPV and late diagnosis, multiple factors drive this trend. Doctors suggest that prevention, early screening and awareness can help reverse the growing crisis.

India already shoulders a third of the world’s oral cancer cases, but the changing age profile is what alarms experts most. “We are now seeing patients in their 30s and early 40s walk in with advanced disease," says Dr Akshat Malik, Principal Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Head & Neck Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Max Hospital, Saket.

He adds, “It begins with early exposure. Many teenagers experiment with gutka, paan masala, or supari, often unaware of the risks. By their thirties, years of silent damage culminate in malignancy. Add to this stress, alcohol, and poor diets, and the risk multiplies. Unless addressed, it could rob India of its young and productive generation.”

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The inexpensive mix of gutka, khaini, and pan masala is the major cause of India’s oral cancer surge. “Cultural acceptance, easy availability and aggressive marketing. Make these products specially dangerous, super often marketed as harmless is in fact a carcinogen that’s stiffens oral tissues and leads to pre-cancerous changes,” says Dr Malik.

Myths, misconceptions, missed warnings:

Scores of young people assume that flavoured or herbal products are safe, and ignore the graphic health warnings. Early signs include persistent ulcers, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding. However, these are brushed aside until cancer has advanced by then treatment is harder and survival chances lower.

Modern lifestyles and new risks

Every day, stress, smoking alcohol, who are diets and sedentary lifestyle habits, weaken the bodies, natural defences. Peer influence normalises tobacco use among students and professionals. Meanwhile, doctors are also reporting HPV-related oral cancers in young patients with no tobacco history. “HPV is an emerging factor in Indian patients, and awareness is still very low,” notes Dr Malik. Poor oral hygiene and nutritional deficiencies only worsen the risk.

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Late diagnosis and unequal outcomes

Access to cancer care in India is deeply uneven. Rural patients and those from lower-income backgrounds often reach hospitals with advanced disease, limiting treatment options. Even in cities, the lack of routine oral screening delays diagnosis. “The tragedy is that oral cancer is preventable and highly curable if detected early,” stresses Dr Malik.

Things that need to change

Banning tobacco sales to minors, enforcing strict warnings, and running school campaigns can help curb early use. “Additionally, routine screening, HPV vaccination, healthier diets, and better oral hygiene may offer strong protection against oral cancer in the young,” says the expert.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.