- April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
- 65% Of Oral Cancer Cases are detected late due to lack of awareness about early symptoms
- A quick two- minute self-check, every month is critical for early detection of oral cancers
April 30th 2025: Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, in collaboration with Merck Specialities Private Limited, has launched a powerful awareness campaign titled “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection” under the hashtag #ActAgainstOralCancer, to mark Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month. This impactful initiative aims to address the rising burden of oral cancer in India. It encourages individuals to take just two minutes for a self-check using a mirror – an everyday object turned into a tool for life-saving awareness.
Health experts are urging the public to “Feel, Look and Act” – by regularly checking for early warning signs such as white or red patches, non-healing sores, unexplained bleeding, persistent swelling, or changes in voice. To make this habit accessible, mirrors will be placed in hospital waiting areas at Fortis Gurugram, where people can perform this simple DIY (Do It Yourself) self-examination. By empowering individuals to take health into their own hands, this campaign aims to turn awareness into action.
India is the world’s capital in prevalence of Head and Neck cancers. Every year, around 2 lakh patients are diagnosed with Head and Neck cancers, which is the highest compared to any other country. Unfortunately, in India, around 60 to 70% of patients report in advanced stages when diagnosed. The rising surge in oral cancer cases is an urgent call for immediate public awareness, early detection and preventive action. The major risk factors cause of oral cancer include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) infection amongst others.
The #ActAgainstOralCancer campaign was launched, during a press conference today, held at Fortis Gurugram in the presence of Senior Clinicians from Fortis Gurugram – Dr Ankur Bahl, Senior Director Medical Oncology, Dr AK Anand, Senior Director & HOD Radiation Oncology, Dr Vedant Kabra, Principal Director Surgical Oncology, Dr Niranjan Naik, Senior Director Surgical Oncology, Dr Suman S. Karanth, Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Dr Atul Mittal, Principal Director ENT and Dr Amal Roy Chaudhoory, Director, Radiation Oncology.
Addressing the media, Dr Ankur Bahl, Senior Director – Medical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram said “Oral cancer is rapidly emerging as a major public health concern in India, accounting for one of the highest incidences globally. Late diagnosis remains a critical issue, with many patients seeking help only in advanced stages, reducing chances of successful treatment. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for widespread awareness, early detection and proactive screening measures – especially given that oral cancer is both largely preventable and highly curable if diagnosed early. The main reason is that people are unaware of the early symptoms and do not practice self-examination. While breast cancer awareness has grown over the years, especially about self-exams, the awareness is missing when it comes to oral cancer DIY. Nearly 65% of patients visit the doctor in advanced stages of the disease, which delays treatment and reduces survival rates.
This #ActAgainstOralCancer, campaign underscores the importance of a quick monthly self-check that for mere two minutes in front of a mirror. Early-stage diagnosis means faster, more effective treatment and much better chances of recovery.”
Dr AK Anand, Senior Director & HOD Radiation Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram. “This campaign encourages individuals to follow the simple 2-minute self-check every month as early detection is best prevention. LOOK at the entire mouth in mirror for white or red patches in the mouth, ulcers that don’t heal within 2 weeks and unusual bleeding or loose teeth. FEEL for changes, like lumps or swelling in the jaw or neck, hoarseness or voice change, persistent pain in ear or when swallowing. ACT with urgency if you notice signs, don’t delay consulting the doctor.”
Dr Vedant Kabra, Principal Director Surgical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, said
“Early diagnosis is critical to improving patient outcomes. Timely detection through awareness, self-examination, and frontline screening enables surgical oncologists to intervene at earlier stages, often with curative intent and less invasive procedures. Strong collaboration between dentists, primary care providers, and surgical oncologists can streamline referrals and reduce delays. Ultimately, early diagnosis not only enhances surgical success but also minimizes the need for complex, multimodal treatment. At Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, we are committed to delivering advanced, patient-centred cancer care.”
Dr Niranjan Naik, Senior Director Surgical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, said “With increasing burden of oral cancer cases in the country, early diagnosis is paramount. Oral Visual Inspection (OVI), mouth self-examination, biopsy and histo-pathological examination enable detection at early stages, facilitating timely intervention.
Dr Suman S. Karanth Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram. “By spreading awareness about early signs and symptoms and emphasizing regular oral self-examination, we can reduce late-stage presentations significantly. Our goal is to promote proactive health behaviour and ensure timely diagnosis. Oral cancer is largely preventable and highly treatable if caught early. Initiatives like these are critical in saving lives and improving treatment outcomes.”
Dr Atul Mittal, Principal Director ENT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram said, “Head and Neck cancers, if not managed at the right time, can lead to serious health complications and impact essential functions like breathing, speaking, and swallowing. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent disease progression.
Dr Amal Roy Chaudhoory, Director, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram “Head and neck cancers can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of head and neck cancers by targeting tumors precisely while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. Early-stage detection combined with timely radiation treatment significantly improves outcomes.”
