Alarming data: Oral cancer cases among non-tobacco users on the rise, finds study by Kochi hosp

Kochi: The number of oral cancer cases is significantly rising in the nation, particularly among individuals with no history of tobacco or alcohol use, according to a study conducted by a major hospital in Kerala’s Kochi. VPS Lakeshore Hospital released disturbing data based on research by their Department of Head and Neck. As per the research, 57% of oral cancer cases observed in recent years have occurred, particularly among individuals with no history of tobacco or alcohol use. In terms of anatomical locations, the study showed that 61% of cases were linked to tongue cancer, while 19% were found in the buccal mucosa. Additionally, 3% of cases were in the floor of the mouth, 3% in the lower alveolus, and the remaining in the upper alveolus.

The study was conducted among 515 patients over the span of 10 years, from July 2014 to July 2024. The research revealed that 75.5% of the affected individuals were men, while 24.5% were women. It was also found that 58.9% of the patients had comorbidities, with 30% of them suffering from multiple conditions. On the other hand, 41.4% of the patients were free of any comorbidities.

The study also highlighted that 282 (54.7%) of the patients were diagnosed at an early stage, while 233 (45.3%) were found to have advanced-stage cancer. Among oral cancer patients with addictions, 64.03% had a history of tobacco use, specifically chewing. Additionally, 51.2% reported smoking tobacco, while 42.3% had a history of alcohol consumption. Notably, 45.3% of these patients had multiple addictive habits.

While tobacco-related cancers continue to dominate in many parts of India, Kerala presents a distinct trend. Research indicates that tongue cancer accounts for 64% of oral cancer cases in the state, contrasting with other regions where buccal mucosa cancer, strongly associated with tobacco use, is more prevalent.

Dr Shawn T Joseph, head and neck surgical oncologist at VPS Lakeshore Hospital who headed the research, expressed concern over this alarming trend. "Earlier, almost every oral cancer case could be traced back to tobacco use. Now, the situation is drastically changing. It's shocking to note that one in two oral cancer patients is a non-tobacco user," Dr Shawn stated. He said mouth cancer is treatable when the symptomatic individual turns up for a diagnosis test at the early stages. "There may be signs that your body will exhibit. If mouth ulcers do not heal within two weeks or are progressing, or if you notice any red or white patches in your mouth or unusual lumps in the head and neck area, you should visit your dentist or doctor immediately," Shawn added.

However, the exact reasons for the increasing number of oral cancer cases remain a mystery, and vast research is needed to find the exact source. "We have already started the research to find the cause of this disease. A few government agencies have also joined our initiative," said S K Abdulla, managing director of VPS Lakeshore Hospital.