Need of Oral Pre Cancer Awareness Initiatives in India

The incidence and prevalence of oral precancerous conditions and lesions is very high in various parts of India, especially Central India. Most commonly seen oral pre cancerous conditions here include oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), leukoplakia, oral lichen planus (OLP) and erythroleukoplakia. Facts and figures about these conditions such as aetiology, clinical features, signs and symptoms, staging, rate of transformation from precancer to cancer and high number of affected population are well documented in literature. The health care fraternity, chiefly the dentists, oncologists, ENT specialists and even physicians also have in depth knowledge of these conditions. However general population remains largely unaware about the concept of oral precancer. Often individuals with precancer even notice the alterations, such as reduced mouth opening in OSMF, but they are not aware about the causes and consequences of these changes. Awareness about oral precancers causes and features can be very helpful in prevention, control and early diagnosis of oral cancer.