Tackling oral cancer: India's struggle with tobacco chewing

India faces a significant challenge in dealing with oral cancer, a disease that has a disproportionate impact on the country's health. Among the many health problems associated with tobacco use, oral cancer is a major concern, especially due to the widespread habit of chewing tobacco. Despite efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, the persistence of this issue highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this urgent problem.

Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in India. Chewing tobacco has been identified as a significant risk factor for this disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tobacco consumption, including chewing, is responsible for up to 90% of mouth cancer cases in India. The rising number of cases of oral cancer in the country highlights the pressing need to address the underlying causes of this epidemic.

Tobacco chewing poses severe health risks, with oral cancer being the most devastating consequence. The habit exposes users to a potent mix of carcinogens, that lead to the development of malignant tumors in the mouth, throat and surrounding areas. Apart from cancer, chewing tobacco increases the risk of developing other oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and leukoplakia.

In addition to this, the increasing rate of oral cancer cases is putting a significant financial strain on the country. The expenses associated with the identification, therapy, and recovery of oral cancer patients are overloading India's healthcare system and resources. This is worsening the socioeconomic problems faced by affected people and their families.

The pharmaceutical industry is working hard to combat the growing health problem of oral cancer. They are developing targeted therapies and innovative solutions to address this issue. These efforts include the exploration of generic medications to make them more affordable and accessible. The industry is also conducting research to reduce the reliance on conventional chemotherapy and promote more effective and less toxic treatment methods. The pharmaceutical industry is actively working towards developing targeted therapies and innovative solutions to address the growing concern of oral cancer. They are exploring the use of generic medications to improve affordability and accessibility, as well as researching treatment modalities that are more effective and less toxic than conventional chemotherapy.

Video
Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier in the fight against oral cancer. Nanoparticles, such as polymeric and inorganic variants, offer targeted drug delivery systems with enhanced bioactivity, reducing systemic toxicity and improving therapeutic outcomes. Liposomes, cyclodextrins, nanolipids, and hydrogels are among the nanotechnology-based carriers that have been explored for their potential in oral cancer therapy. Biomimetic nanoparticles, such as vitamin-coated nanoparticles and exosomes, show promise in improving drug bioavailability and targeting capability for enhanced efficacy.

Combating oral cancer requires a collective effort from the medical community. To achieve this, collaborative initiatives are essential to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns, disseminate information about mortality rates and risk factors, and promote early detection and intervention strategies. By working together, healthcare professionals can spearhead initiatives aimed at curbing the increasing incidence of oral cancer and alleviating its profound impact on public health and well-being.

(Author: Raheel Shah, Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals)