Oral Cancer: Early Detection is Crucial

Oral cancer is a growing problem globally and in some countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan is right at the top of the ladder. More than 95% of all oral malignancies are oral squamous cell carcinoma. Tobacco, alcohol, and betel quid (BQ) use have been recognized as risk factors of oral cancer. Cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are the major risk factors in Western countries, whereas BQ use and smoking are the major risk factors in Asian countries.1-3 Unfortunately, with all the advancement in the understanding of the disease process and recognition of the associated risk factors, the 5-year survival rate is still 50%.4 It is generally acknowledged that both prevention and screening of oral cancer are important, and the early diagnosis of oral cancer may result in less aggressive treatment, which in turn not only improves the quality-of-life but also the overall 5-year survival rate.