EDITORIAL


https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10063-0087
CODS Journal of Dentistry
Volume 13 | Issue 1 | Year 2021

Oral Cancer Prevention Strategies: A Great Deal Remains to be Done


Mellekatte C Neetha1

Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, Karnataka, India

Corresponding Author: Mellekatte C Neetha, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, College of Dental Sciences, Davangere, Karnataka, India, Phone: +91 9900207778, e-mail: neethamc@gmail.com

How to cite this article: Neetha MC, Oral Cancer Prevention Strategies: A Great Deal Remains to be Done. CODS J Dent 2021;13(1):1–2.

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None

INTRODUCTION

Oral cancer is a global challenge, with a high degree of mortality ~50%.1 Oral cancer is graded as the sixth most widespread malignancy in South Asia–with approximately 300,000 recent cases identified annually, accounting for one-third of the overall cancer burden in India.2 The key risk factors linked with oral cancer are tobacco use and alcohol consumption, having a dose-response association, and synergistic effect.3 Other trivial factors being UV /sunlight, diet and nutritional status, chronic candidal infection, Human papilloma virus [HPV], Herpes simplex virus, Hepatitis-C virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and immune deficiency.4,5

In spite of effortless access to examination, oral cancers presentation is delayed with devastating consequences on survival and quality of life.1 Hence the chief goal should be to emphasis on preventive measures so that mortality due to oral cancer is diminished and is in control.

CANCER PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Cancer Prevention StrategiesCancer prevention strategies can be charted into three stages:

To summarize oral cancer prevention strategies, include oral screening, exposure modification [tobacco cessation], cancer immunotherapy/vaccination, chemoprevention, treatment or removal of PMDs, risk-reducing surgery to remove tissue at risk, and screening and early-detection methods based on molecular biomarkers. All these will certainly lead to valuable strategies to reduce the incidence, morbidity and mortality of oral cancers in the near future.

REFERENCES

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