Ranchi : Stressing the urgent need for tobacco cessation, Dr. Sachender Pal Singh, Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Head and Neck) at the Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, a unit of the Tata Cancer Care Foundation, said that India is among the countries bearing the highest burden of oral cancer, with tobacco consumption being the leading cause. Dr. Singh was addressing an Oral Cancer Awareness Dialogue and Free Health Screening Camp organized at the Ranchi Press Club on Friday. He urged people not to postpone quitting tobacco, emphasizing that no amount or form of tobacco is safe.
“Do not wait for a future date to quit tobacco. The decision should be made today and now. Tobacco, in any quantity and any form, is harmful,” he said. Highlighting the growing public health challenge, Dr. Singh noted that chewing tobacco products such as khaini, gutkha, zarda, and other smokeless tobacco products are major contributors to oral cancer in India. He expressed concern that tobacco use is increasingly affecting adolescents and young people.
Referring to a survey conducted among school students in Ranchi, he revealed that nearly eight percent of students had used tobacco in some form. Most of them had initiated the habit between the ages of 10 and 15 years. He warned that oral cancer does not develop overnight but often begins with tobacco addiction acquired during adolescence or early adulthood. Dr. Singh explained that tobacco contains numerous carcinogenic chemicals that continuously damage cells and DNA, eventually leading to cancer. He further pointed out that the combined use of tobacco and alcohol significantly increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. According to various studies, such individuals may face a 15 to 30 times higher risk compared to non-users.
Emphasizing the importance of early detection, he said oral cancer is far easier and more successful to treat when diagnosed at an early stage. However, due to a lack of awareness, many patients seek medical attention only when the disease has reached an advanced stage. In advanced cases, treatment may require complex surgeries, including removal of portions of the jaw or tongue, followed by sophisticated reconstructive procedures,” he said. He added that Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is equipped with modern head and neck cancer surgery facilities and advanced reconstructive surgical services for comprehensive treatment.
Dr. Singh advised people not to ignore warning signs such as mouth ulcers that do not heal within two weeks, white or red patches inside the mouth, restricted mouth opening, difficulty swallowing, persistent voice changes, or lumps in the neck. He urged individuals experiencing such symptoms to consult a specialist without delay.
Experts present at the event also highlighted the benefits of quitting tobacco, stating that positive physiological changes begin within just 20 minutes of tobacco cessation. Over time, the risks of heart disease, lung disorders, and cancer decline significantly. Alongside the awareness dialogue, the Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre organized a free health screening camp that included examinations for oral, cervical, and breast cancers.
The programme was inaugurated with introductory remarks by Ranchi Press Club President Shambhu Nath Chaudhary. The event was conducted by Executive Committee Member Saurabh Shukla, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Joint Secretary Chandan Bhattacharya. Among those present were Treasurer Kuber Singh, Executive Committee Members Ashok Gop, Chandan Verma, Amit Singh, Vijay Gop, Sanjay Suman, Rajan Bobby, senior journalists Pramod Jha, Kundan Kritagya, Bharat Bhushan Prasad, Ved Prakash, Karabi Dutta, Pankaj Kumar Saw, Mridula, along with a large number of journalists and their family members.