Oral cancer, a major type of head-and-neck cancer, is becoming an increasingly serious health issue in India. Recent data reveals nearly 77,000 new cases and over 52,000 deaths in the country this year alone.

The disease most commonly strikes men over the age of 40, though younger individuals are not immune. Lifestyle and environmental factors play a significant role in its development.

Tobacco use—whether smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco—remains the leading cause. In many parts of India, smokeless tobacco products are widely available and socially accepted, making the problem harder to control.

Alcohol consumption is another major risk factor. When combined with tobacco use, the chances of developing oral cancer increase dramatically. The harmful effects are compounded over years of regular use.