(Image source from: Should tobacco be banned in India?})

Oral cancer is a major killer in India. An increasing number of people are becoming victims of this killer disease caused by smoking and chewing tobacco products. In such a situation the question arises whether banning tobacco is the right measure to curb oral cancer.

According to a a top orthodontist, at least one person dies of oral cancer in every six hour in India. Secretary-General of the Indian Dental Association Dr Ashok Dhoble reportedly said that the figure could be much more as many cases of oral cancer goes unreported, especially in rural areas.

The victims of oral cancer from the poorer section of society and those living in rural areas are not registered, said Dhoble.

Dr. Dhoble says India has registered a sharp growth in the number of oral cancer cases in the last decade, due to the high prevalence of smokers and use of chewable tobacco products. Statistics reveal that oral cancer account for nearly 40 % of all cancer-related disease in India.

The Northeastern states of the country remain the mostly affected by tobacco consumption, added Dr Dhoble, while adding that all the Northeastern states are highly affected by this deadly disease.

Even states like West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been affected by this disease. In these states every third person consumes tobacco products in one form or the other, says Dr. Dhoble.

While talking about measures to curb oral cancer , Dr. Dhoble said Only a total ban on the use of tobacco-related products could reduce the rising incidence of this deadly disease.

Dr. Dhoble said that the nicotine present in tobacco makes it addictive and users find it difficult to give up the habit. So there is no other way to curb oral cancer. Tobacco in all its form has to be banned, he added.

Even the government is aware of the problem. But the problem arises from the fact that the tobacco industry employs a huge number of people. Before enforcing a total ban on tobacco the government has to ensure an alternative livelihood to these people, said Dr. Dhoble.

Oral cancer is first detected by a dentist. This deadly disease is not just limited to teeth, but spreads over the mouth, tongue, gums and integral part of pharynx.

Talking about treatment of oral cancer, Dr. Dhoble said that the deadly disease was 100 % curable, but if reported at the first stage. Once the disease reaches its second stage, the patient will be left with just five more years of life.

Dr. Dhoble regular dental checkup to people in case they experience the slightest problem in the mouth region. Most importantly, people have to consciously give up tobacco, said Dr. Dhoble. The orthodontist also stressed the need to educate people on oral cancer.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)