Why Oral Cancer Is Increasing in India & How Early Treatment Helps?
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India. It is also one of the most preventable ones. Yet, thousands of people lose their lives to it every year — simply because it was detected too late. India accounts for nearly one-third of all oral cancer cases worldwide. This is an alarming figure.
But here is the good news — when oral cancer is caught early, the survival rate improves dramatically. For patients seeking effective Oral Cancer Treatment in Pune, advanced medical care and early intervention are now more accessible than ever.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a leading Surgical Oncologist in Pune, has treated hundreds of oral cancer patients. He emphasises that early diagnosis and timely treatment are the two most powerful weapons against this disease.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth. This includes the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, and the roof of the mouth (palate).
It belongs to a broader category called head and neck cancers. Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas — they start in the flat cells that line the mouth and throat.
Early-stage oral cancer often looks like a harmless sore or white patch. This is exactly why many people ignore it. A Cancer Doctor in Pune like Dr. Chirag Bhirud often stresses that any mouth sore lasting more than two weeks should be evaluated immediately.
Why Is Oral Cancer Increasing in India?
Several factors are driving the rise of oral cancer in India. Understanding them can help in prevention.
- Widespread Use of Tobacco: India has one of the highest rates of tobacco use in the world. This includes smoked tobacco (cigarettes, bidis) and smokeless tobacco (gutka, pan masala, khaini, zarda). Smokeless tobacco is particularly dangerous because it comes in direct contact with the oral tissues for long periods of time. More than 90% of oral cancer cases in India are linked to tobacco use. This alone makes tobacco the single biggest risk factor.
- Areca Nut and Betel Quid Chewing: Chewing betel nut (supari) and pan is a deeply rooted cultural habit in many parts of India. Areca nut is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organisation. Regular chewing can cause oral submucous fibrosis — a condition that can turn cancerous over time.
- Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol on its own is a risk factor. When combined with tobacco, it multiplies the risk of oral cancer significantly. The combination irritates the mucous membranes and makes them more vulnerable to carcinogens.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting dental care — not brushing regularly, having ill-fitting dentures, or leaving teeth in poor condition — can create chronic irritation in the mouth. Over time, this increases the risk of malignant changes.
- HPV Infection: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16, is increasingly linked to oropharyngeal cancers. This trend is rising globally and is being seen in India as well, particularly in younger populations.
- Lack of Awareness and Late Diagnosis: Many people in India dismiss early symptoms as minor irritations. They delay seeing a doctor for months. By the time they visit a Cancer Surgeon in Pune or elsewhere, the cancer has already progressed to an advanced stage. This delay is a key reason for the high mortality rate.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore:
Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a trusted Cancer Surgeon in Pune, advises everyone to watch out for the following symptoms:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
- A white or red patch (leukoplakia or erythroplakia) on the gums, tongue, or cheek
- Persistent pain or numbness in the mouth or tongue
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw
- A lump or thickening inside the cheek
- Unexplained bleeding from the mouth
- A feeling that something is stuck in the throat
- Hoarseness or a change in voice that persists
- Swelling in the jaw or neck
- Loose teeth without any apparent dental reason
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not wait. Contact a Cancer Specialist as soon as possible.
How Early Treatment Makes a Life-Saving Difference?
When oral cancer is diagnosed at Stage 1 or Stage 2, the five-year survival rate is over 80%. At Stage 3 or Stage 4, this drops significantly — often to below 50%.
Early treatment does not just save lives. It also means simpler surgery, fewer side effects, shorter recovery time, and better quality of life after treatment.
Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a highly experienced Robotic Cancer Surgeon in Pune, specialises in minimally invasive and robotic techniques for oral cancer treatment. His approach ensures:
- Precise tumour removal with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue
- Reduced blood loss during surgery
- Faster recovery and early return to normal life
- Better preservation of speech, swallowing, and facial appearance
- Lower risk of complications
With 500+ head and neck surgeries performed and a 95% success rate, Dr. Chirag Bhirud is one of the most trusted names for Oral Cancer Treatment in Pune.
Oral Cancer Treatment Options Available in Pune:
At his clinics in Jupiter Hospital, Baner and Vision 9 Mall, Pimple Saudagar, Dr. Chirag Bhirud offers a comprehensive range of treatment options for oral cancer:
- Surgery: Surgery remains the primary treatment for oral cancer. Depending on the stage, it may involve removing the tumour alone or a wider resection that includes surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. Dr. Chirag Bhirud uses robotic and laparoscopic techniques wherever possible to minimise trauma and speed up healing.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. It can also be the primary treatment in cases where surgery is not recommended.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used in combination with radiation for advanced cases. It can also be used to shrink a large tumour before surgery — a process called induction chemotherapy. Dr. Chirag Bhirud has been awarded for his research on induction chemotherapy in locally advanced oral tongue cancer.
- Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: These newer treatment options target specific cancer cell markers or boost the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. They are used in selected cases, especially in recurrent or metastatic disease.
- Reconstructive Surgery: For patients who undergo extensive tumour removal, reconstructive procedures help restore facial appearance and oral function. Dr. Chirag Bhirud’s expertise in oncoplastic techniques ensures patients can eat, speak, and smile with confidence after surgery.
Prevention: Simple Steps That Can Save Your Life
Preventing oral cancer starts with making the right lifestyle choices. Here is what you can do:
- Quit tobacco in all forms — smoked and smokeless
- Avoid areca nut and pan masala
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Maintain good oral hygiene — brush twice daily and visit your dentist regularly
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Get vaccinated against HPV if you are eligible
- Do a self-examination of your mouth every month
- Get a professional oral cancer screening annually if you are in a high-risk group
Why Choose Dr. Chirag Bhirud for Oral Cancer Treatment in Pune?
Dr. Chirag Bhirud is a distinguished Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Cancer Surgeon in Pune with over 15 years of experience. He has treated more than 10,000 cancer patients across all stages and cancer types.
His expertise in head and neck cancers — including oral cancer — is backed by:
- 500+ head and neck surgeries performed
- 95% surgical success rate
- Specialisation in robotic and laparoscopic cancer surgery
- Award-winning research published in national oncology journals
- Best Oral Paper Award at the Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) 2019
- Best Poster Award at ISO-ISMPO 2019 for research in oral tongue cancer
- Training from top institutions including Tata Memorial Centre
- Compassionate, patient-focused care with personalised treatment plans
Dr. Chirag Bhirud practices at Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune . His clinics are open 24 hours to ensure timely access to care whenever you need it.
Conclusion: Do Not Wait — Act Today
Oral cancer is serious. But it is also one of the most treatable cancers when found early. Every day of delay can make a difference in outcomes.
If you or someone you know has any warning signs or is at high risk, do not hesitate. Book a consultation with Dr. Chirag Bhirud, a leading Cancer Doctor in Pune, and take the first step towards a cancer-free life.