Head and Neck Cancer Day 2025: Why doctors want you to quit smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping

Causes of head and oral cancers: The causes can be smoking, chewing tobacco, or vaping. Even poor oral hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, and limited access to early screening are big threats (Image: Pexels)

A small ulcer in the mouth. A nagging sore throat. A change in your voice. These may sound minor, but for many Indians, these could be early signs of a growing concern: head and neck cancers. Increasingly affecting younger people, these cancers are often curable if diagnosed early. But sadly, many arrive at hospitals only when the disease is well advanced. The good news? Awareness, lifestyle changes and timely treatment can make all the difference.

Once seen largely in older adults, oral and head cancers are now affecting younger patients, many in their 30s and 40s. “Head and neck cancer remains a major public health concern in India, with a worrying shift in age at presentation,” says Dr Saurabh Gupta, Director & Unit Head, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi. “But even in advanced stages, they’re potentially curative. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are more important than ever,” he says.

Nearly 80 percent of cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol use, Dr Gupta says. “The causes can be smoking, chewing tobacco, or in the newer forms like vaping. Add to this poor oral hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, and limited access to early screening," he adds.

Also read | Oral cancer: Causes, symptoms and prevention methods to stay away from this danger

Symptoms that shouldn't be ignored

A painless ulcer in the mouth that persists for over three weeks, especially one that doesn’t respond to treatment, should raise concern. According to Dr Gupta, this is the most common early sign of oral cancer.

“Also, painless lumps or nodes in the neck may indicate the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. These may be accompanied by difficulty in swallowing or restricted mouth opening,”

According to Dr Pushpinder Gulia, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, "if your voice has become hoarse or your sore throat hasn’t cleared in weeks, it may point to laryngeal or pharyngeal cancer." He adds, “These unusual symptoms, especially when persistent, could be referred pain from underlying tumours in the throat or nasal passages. Bleeding gums, a foul odour from the mouth, or unexplained loosening of teeth can signal tumour invasion, especially in the jaw."

Also read | Oral cancer risk: The alarming link between vaping and oral health

Risks you can reduce today:

According to Dr Gulia, the main risk factors for head and neck cancers are largely preventable. “Tobacco use, whether smoked or chewed, remains the single most significant cause. Even second-hand smoke is a big risk. Alcohol, particularly when used in combination with tobacco, increases the risk manifold due to a synergistic effect,” he adds.

Dr Gulia also highlights the growing role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially in younger patients with throat cancer. Additional risks, he notes, include precancerous conditions like leukoplakia and erythroplakia, poor oral hygiene and nutrition, occupational exposure to substances such as wood dust or asbestos, radiation exposure, and even excessive ultraviolet (UV) rays in cases of skin cancers on the face or neck.

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.