Latest news with #HPV-16
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Apollo Hospitals, Isha Foundation launch initiative to combat tobacco addiction
On the eve of World No-Tobacco Day, Apollo Cancer Centres and the Isha Foundation have jointly announced a unique initiative that aims to help individuals quit tobacco addiction on Friday. The initiative includes the practice of 'Miracle of Mind' meditation by the Isha Foundation and a meticulously designed 6-week programme to help individuals naturally outgrow the need for tobacco. The 'Miracle of Mind' is a free meditation app offering a a powerful 7-minute guided meditation by Sadhguru, helping individuals take charge of their well-being. It also features streaks, reminders, rewards, and personalised wisdom from Sadhguru. Over 2 million people have downloaded the app to establish a daily meditation practice and transformed their lives. The collaboration represents a shared understanding that healthcare must be holistic, treating not just disease but the human experience of illness, including mental strain, isolation, and loss of control. Addressing the media on behalf of the Isha Foundation, Dr. Rajesh Babu Devabhakthuni, Consultant Neurosurgeon, said that Isha Yoga offers several practices aimed at improving well-being by helping with emotional regulation and increasing self-awareness, some of the key factors in breaking habits like tobacco addiction. Among these, the 'Miracle of Mind' meditation was chosen as it was a short, effective practice of just seven minutes and fits easily into today's busy lifestyles. It could be done anytime and anywhere. One of the key factors of addiction is emotional dysregulation, due to which people often develop habits as a way to cope with stress and emotional imbalance. Backed by substantial research, Isha Yoga practices address these underlying issues by promoting emotional regulation and stress reduction, making them effective components in addiction programs. These practices provide both psychological and physiological support to individuals, helping them manage stress better and improve their overall health, he explained. Screening initiative launched Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched #OraLife, a proactive screening initiative focused on the early detection of oral cancer. The program emphasises public awareness, routine screening, and targeted intervention, particularly for high-risk individuals, including tobacco users, alcohol consumers, those with HPV-16 infection, and people with prior oral lesions. Tobacco users are six to seven times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users. Oral cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected early through a simple oral examination, said Dr. Pradeep Ventrapati, Consultant, Medical Oncologist. Dr. Dheeraj Kondamudi, Consultant – Head & Neck, Surgical Oncology at ACC, Visakhapatnam, was also present.
United News of India
3 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
ACC introduces screening program for early detection of Oral Cancer
Hyderabad, May 30 (UNI)Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) on World No Tobacco Day,(ACC) launched #OraLife, a proactive screening initiative focused on the early detection of oral cancer on Friday. The program emphasizes public awareness, routine screening, and targeted intervention particularly for high-risk individuals, including tobacco users, alcohol consumers, those with HPV-16 infection, and people with prior oral lesions. As part of this initiative, ACC has partnered with the Isha Foundation to provide holistic support for individuals seeking to overcome tobacco addiction. This collaboration integrates physical health interventions with mental and emotional wellness support. 'Tobacco users are six to seven times more likely to develop oral cancer than cancer is one of the few cancers that can be detected early through a simple oral examination. With this program, our goal is to detect cases early—before it's too late.' said Dr. Umanath Nayak Senior Consultant Head and Neck Oncology Surgeon at Apollo Cancer Centre. Oral cancer is the most common cancer among Indian men and is rising steadily among women. Incidence rates vary widely across states: West Bengal reports the highest, while Kerala sees the lowest. Maharashtra, Ahmedabad Urban, and Meghalaya also report alarmingly high figures—largely driven by tobacco use. Chennai-based studies have identified an increase in cancers of the tongue base and floor of the mouth, sites known for high metastatic potential. The buccal mucosa remains the most frequently affected site nationwide. Notably, smokeless tobacco use is rising among women, contributing to a narrowing gender gap in incidence rates. Risk factors—such as the combined use of smokeless tobacco, betel quid, and alcohol—are especially prevalent in underserved communities with limited access to preventive care. The disease is increasingly affecting individuals aged 31–50, with poor nutrition further exacerbating the risk. 'Our objective is to foster a culture of preventive healthcare. Oral cancer is highly treatable when detected early. We urge everyone over 30, especially tobacco users to undergo screening.' said Dr. Arsheed Hakeem Consultant - Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre, Jubilees Hills, Hyderabd. The #OraLife, the Oral Cancer Screening Program, involves a comprehensive visual and tactile oral examination conducted by trained medical oncologists and head & neck surgeons. It aims to identify early warning signs such as persistent ulcers, red or white patches, lumps, and non-healing sores—many of which are often overlooked. Apollo has teamed up with the Isha Foundation to incorporate spiritual well-being into its tobacco cessation efforts. As part of this, individuals will have access to a simple, yet effective 7-minute guided meditation led by Sadhguru. 'Miracle of Mind' is a free meditation app that empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being. ' Our collaboration with Isha Foundation is a testament to our belief in integrated care, where early detection and mental wellness are both critical pillars.' Dr. Abhishek Budharapu, - Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre said. Research indicates that tobacco users spend over Rs 1.1 lakh more on healthcare over their lifetime compared to non-users. The consequences extend beyond health—tobacco use reduces life expectancy, raises insurance premiums, limits claim payouts, and destabilizes families, particularly when primary earners are affected. UNI KNR BD
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First Post
16-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
From tobacco to tumours: How India's chewing habit is fuelling a cancer crisis
Oral cancer is a rising but largely preventable threat in India, driven by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor hygiene and HPV infection. In this report, Firstpost highlights expert insights on early warning signs, key risk factors and the vital role of timely screening and lifestyle changes in improving survival outcomes. read more Oral diseases, though largely preventable, remain one of the most widespread health challenges globally, affecting an estimated 3.7 billion people and often leading to pain, disfigurement and even death. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2021 report, untreated dental caries in permanent teeth is the most common health condition worldwide. Yet, in many low- and middle-income countries, oral health remains a neglected part of national health agendas with prevention and treatment often excluded from universal health coverage, leaving millions vulnerable to avoidable complications. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Firstpost spoke to Dr. Amit Bhargava, Senior Director – Oncology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj to understand the growing threat of oral cancer in India. Early signs of oral cancer Dr Bhargava: In the oral cavity, even small lesions are visible and can be detected with the naked eye. An early sign of oral cancer is an ulcer or wound that does not heal with conventional medications and continues to grow or worsen over time. These ulcers are often painless. As the condition progresses, swelling or nodes may develop in the neck. Tobacco use & alcohol consumption increase the risk? Dr Bhargava: Tobacco gradually damages the mucosal lining of the mouth, altering it into dysplastic (abnormal) tissue, which can eventually become cancerous. Alcohol enhances the absorption of tobacco, causing increased local damage and leading to genetic mutations that contribute to cancer. Additionally, alcohol depletes essential vitamins required for maintaining mucosal health. Prolonged alcohol use also causes liver damage, impairing its ability to clear toxins from the body. Connection between HPV and oral cancer and how effective is the HPV vaccine in prevention? Dr Bhargava: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a surface virus that infects the oral cavity, damaging the inner lining of the mouth and leading to cancer. The HPV-16 strain is the most common type associated with oral cancers. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help prevent most HPV-related oral cancers. Different stages & how each stage influences treatment and survival outcomes? Dr Bhargava: Oral cancer is staged from 0 (localised) to IV (advanced spread). Early stages (I–II) are typically treated with surgery or radiation and have higher survival rates. Advanced stages (III–IV) often require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with lower survival rates due to metastasis and the complexity of treatment. Treatment options Dr Bhargava: Treatment for oral cancer includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In advanced cases, newer options such as immunotherapy and targeted therapies are used to boost the immune system or specifically attack cancer cells. A combination of treatments is often most effective, depending on the stage of the cancer. Are there any genetic or hereditary factors that increase oral cancer risk? Dr Bhargava: Most oral cancers are not genetic and do not run in families. They are usually linked to identifiable risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection, dental trauma, and poor oral hygiene. Diet, oral hygiene and sun exposure, contribute to oral cancer risk? Dr Bhargava: Oral cancer is largely a lifestyle-related disease. Risk is strongly associated with habits such as tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption and poor oral hygiene. Regular dental checkups help in detecting oral cancer at an early stage? Dr Bhargava: Regular checkups with a dental specialist or oncologist can help detect oral cancers early. A healthy oral cavity rarely develops cancer. Chewing tobacco often leads to its deposition on teeth, causing direct damage to the surrounding tissues. Simple changes in oral hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
