New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) As oral cancer emerges as a significant public health concern in India, a recent study emphasizes the necessity for more impactful warning signs on tobacco products to mitigate the risks associated with mouth cancer, affecting the tissues in the mouth and throat. Despite existing legislation governing the production and sale of tobacco, alongside national programs aimed at tobacco control and prevention, the prevalence of oral cancer continues to escalate in India.

With over 135,000 new cases recorded each year, India holds the highest global incidence of oral cancer. Although this disease is preventable, the nation accounts for nearly one-third of the world's oral cancer cases, according to GLOBOCAN 2020 and the National Cancer Registry Programme.

Parth Sharma from the Department of Community Medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, stated, "The warning signs on tobacco products serve as the most effective means of communicating with tobacco users. Future research should prioritize the creation of more impactful warning labels to deter tobacco use and assist in cessation efforts."

The study, led by Sharma along with researchers Mongjam Meghachandra Singh and Amod Laxmikant Borle, uncovered significant gaps in awareness regarding the risks of tobacco-related oral cancer and available preventive measures among oral cancer patients.

This cross-sectional study, conducted from August 2023 to June 2024, involved 116 adult patients diagnosed with oral cancer.

Published in the journal ecancer, the findings indicated that 54.3% of participants used smokeless tobacco, 10.3% were smokers, and 27.6% engaged in both practices. Most participants consumed tobacco daily, with 52.6% ceasing tobacco use upon receiving their oral cancer diagnosis.

Approximately 66.4% recognized the connection between tobacco and oral cancer, primarily informed through tobacco packaging (48.1%) and anti-tobacco campaigns (36.3%). However, all participants lacked knowledge about the early symptoms of oral cancer and self-examination techniques, with only 7.8% aware of existing tobacco regulation laws.

Awareness regarding the carcinogenic effects of tobacco was significantly higher among literate individuals, those who noticed warning labels, and those who felt fear from the warnings on tobacco products.

The researchers advocated for targeted awareness initiatives and improved access to screening, which could potentially lower the rates of oral cancer in India. Sharma emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to take a more active role in educating individuals interacting with the health system about the detrimental impacts of tobacco.