Chennai, May 30 (UNI) The Chennai-based VS Hospitals, in association with Merck Specialities
Oral cancer protection campaign launched
Private Limited, on FridaY launched the 'Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection' campaign
with the hashtag #ActAgainstOralCancer on the note of World No Tobacco Day.
This nationwide campaign urges people to perform quick oral self-checks to catch early signs of
cancer.
Mirrors will be placed in hospital waiting areas to help visitors spot red or white patches, non-healing
sores, swelling, or voice changes. The message is Feel, Look, Act.
The rising surge in oral cancer cases is an urgent call for immediate public awareness, early detection, and preventive action. The causes include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian, senior most medical oncologist, Founder Chairman, and Managing Director, said.
Early detection through regular self-checks is key to improving outcomes. Complications of oral cancer can include difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and breathing, as well as the spread of cancer to nearby tissues or other parts of the body, he said, according to a hospital release.
He said the Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection" campaign will help with timely detection and management of oral cancer.
Dr. S. Nithya, Associate Director and Senior Consultant - Medical Oncology, said 'Head and neck cancer is the most common cancer among Indians. These cases are steadily increasing, and among them, oral cancer is rising at an alarming rate.
While breast cancer awareness has grown over the years, especially about self-exams, the same urgency was missing when it comes to oral cancer as nearly 65% of patients visit the doctor in advanced stages of the disease, which delays treatment and reduces survival rates.
This campaign underscores the importance of a quick monthly self-checks for effective treatment
and a better chance of recovery,' she said.
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