Expressnews
Chennai 30th may 2025: In a timely and impactful initiative, VS Hospitals, in association with Merck Specialities Private Limited has launched the “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection”2 campaign with the hashtag #ActAgainstOralCancer on the note of World No Tobacco Day.
This nationwide campaign urges people to perform quick oral self-checks to catch early signs of cancer. Mirrors will be placed in hospital waiting areas to help visitors spot red or white patches, non-healing sores, swelling, or voice changes. The message is Feel, Look, Act.
During the launch of the campaign, Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian, India’s Senior Most Practising Medical Oncologist, Founder Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. S. Nithya, Associate Director and Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, and medical staff, were present.
“The rising surge in oral cancer cases is urgent call for immediate public awareness, early detection, and preventive action. The causes of oral cancer include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. Early detection through regular self-checks is key to improving outcomes. Complications of oral cancer can include difficulty in speaking, swallowing, and breathing, as well as the spread of cancer to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection” campaign will help with timely detection and management of oral cancer,” highlighted Prof. Dr. S. Subramanian, India’s Senior Most Practising Medical Oncologist, Founder Chairman andManaging Director.
India is the world’s capital of Head and neck cancer3. Every year, around 2 lakh patients arenewly diagnosed with Head and neck cancer, whichis the highest compared to any other country. In 2022, simply the number of Lip and oral cavity cancer cases were more than a lakh (65%). Adding the rest of the head and neck cancer sub-sites, the numbers will be nothing less than 20-25% of the total male cancers in our country.
Unfortunately, in India, around 60 to 70% of patients already have advanced disease (stage 3-4) at the time of diagnosis.4
“Head and neck cancer is the most common cancer among Indians5. Head and neck cancer cases are steadily increasing, and among them, oral cancer is rising at an alarming rate. While breast cancer awareness has grown over the years, especially about self-exams, the same urgency is missing when it comes to oral cancer. Nearly 65% of patients visit the doctor in advanced stages of the disease, which delays treatment and reduces survival rates6. This campaign underscores the importance of a quick monthly self-checks for effective treatment and better chance of recovery,” said Dr. S. Nithya, Associate Director and Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, VS Hospitals.
