Greater Noida: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, a public awareness campaign was organised at a government medical institute, highlighting the urgent need to raise awareness about head and neck, breast and other common cancers. Doctors stressed that these cancers account for a significant proportion of cancer cases in India and are often detected at an advanced stage due to lack of awareness.
Medical experts explained that head and neck cancers commonly affect the oral cavity, throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and salivary glands. India bears one of the highest burdens of head and neck cancers globally, largely due to tobacco use (smoked and smokeless), alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing and poor oral hygiene. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is also emerging as a key risk factor, particularly for throat cancers.
Doctors cautioned that early symptoms are often subtle and should not be ignored. These include non-healing mouth ulcers, persistent sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, voice changes, unexplained neck swelling, ear pain, and white or red patches in the mouth. Early diagnosis, they noted, significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
The Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery organised a cancer awareness camp at the Community Health Centre in Bisrakh, Greater Noida. Under the guidance of Brigadier Dr Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Professor and Head of the ENT Department Dr Hukam Singh, along with Dr Monica Patel, Dr Shruti Pandey and Dr SK Mishra, screened over 50 cases for oral, neck and breast cancers. Nursing staff also staged a street play to spread awareness among the public.
Doctors reiterated the key message of World Cancer Day: quit tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, maintain good oral hygiene, seek early medical advice for suspicious symptoms, and participate in regular screening programmes. They emphasised that collective efforts by healthcare professionals, policymakers, media and the public are essential to reduce preventable cancer deaths and improve quality of life.
