MP reports 12.8% annual rise in oral cancer:Majority of Bhopal cases linked to tobacco use

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an alarming annual rise of nearly 12.8% in oral cancer cases, posing a growing public health challenge. In response, a three-day training program was organised at Gandhi Medical College (GMC) under the National Health Mission and the National Oral Health Programme. Government dentists and nodal officers posted at district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres across the state participated in the training initiative aimed at strengthening early detection and prevention efforts. Bhopal among worst-affected cities Dr. Ruchi Sharma from the Department of Dental Surgery highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that oral cancer cases in the state are increasing by 12.8% every year. “In Bhopal, nearly 71.7% of cancer cases are caused by tobacco consumption,” she said. Among men, 54.7% of cancers are linked to tobacco use, while among women, the figure stands at 17%. Bhopal ranks second nationally in terms of oral cancer cases. The city also reports the highest incidence of tongue cancer among women in the country, at 4.1 cases per lakh population. Among men, the incidence rate of oral cancer is approximately 15.9 per lakh population. Health experts stressed that effective implementation of preventive measures and large-scale public awareness campaigns are urgently needed to curb the growing threat. Specialized training for dentists During the program, dentists received comprehensive training in basic life support, medico-legal responsibilities, and identification and prevention of tobacco-related diseases. Special sessions were also conducted on the functioning and effective implementation of Tobacco Cessation Clinics (TCC), run under central government initiatives. The objective is to enable dental professionals to strengthen anti-tobacco programs and screening efforts in their respective districts. Dentists play key role in early detection Head of the Department of Dental Surgery, Dr. Anuj Bhargava, underscored the crucial role of dentists in identifying early symptoms of oral cancer. “Timely screening and prevention of tobacco use can significantly control this serious disease,” he said, adding that early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes. Senior officials in attendance The successful organization of the training program was guided by the Dean of Gandhi Medical College, Dr. Kavita N. Singh. Vice-Chancellor of Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University, Dr. Ashok Khandelwal, was also present at the event. He reviewed the progress of tobacco cessation centres and other health schemes operating in various districts and urged dentists to actively implement preventive strategies at the grassroots level.