Doctors in Mumbai launch ‘Two-Minute Action’ campaign to promote self-checks for early detection of oral cancer | File Photo
Mumbai: Doctors have said that around 65% of oral cancer cases are detected late due to a lack of awareness. A ‘Two-minute action’ initiative was launched in Mumbai to prevent oral cancer, which claims life of five people every hour in India.
In a timely and impactful initiative, Merck Specialities, in collaboration with leading hospitals across India, has launched the ‘Two-Minute Action Oral Cancer Protection’ campaign with the motto #ActAgainstOralCancer. This nationwide effort aims to tackle the alarming rise in oral cancer cases by encouraging individuals to perform a quick self-check using mirrors that are almost always available to one and all.
Experts are urging the public to look for warning signs such as white or red patches in the mouth, non-healing ulcers or unexplained bleeding, persistent swelling or voice changes. The doctors have asked people to follow the ‘Feel, Look, and Act’ rule claiming that an early detection through a quick mirror check can make all the difference between timely treatment and a missed opportunity.
By turning mirrors into tools of awareness, the experts are empowering individuals to take charge of their health in just two minutes because early action can save lives. Through this initiative, patients who are visiting hospitals can also activate this self-check-up, where mirrors will be strategically placed in the hospital waiting areas.
Dr Jeyhan Dhabhar, consultant medical oncologist at the B.N.D Onco Centre at Mumbai’s K G Mittal Hospital, said, “Nearly 65% of patients visit the doctor in advanced stages of oral cancer, which delays treatment and reduces survival rates. This campaign underscores the importance of a quick monthly self-check that is just two minutes in front of a mirror can make all the difference. Early-stage diagnosis means faster, more effective treatment and a much better chance of recovery.”
According to doctors, around 2 lakh patients are newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year, which is the highest compared to any other country. In 2022, the number of lip and oral cavity cancer cases was more than a lakh. 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 at the time of diagnosis, said Dhabhar.
Dr Jimmy Mirani, consultant medical oncologist at the B.N.D. Onco Centre, said, “People can follow the simple 2-minute self-check every month. Look at the entire mouth in the 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 the ear, or when swallowing. Lastly, people need to act with urgency without delay if signs are noticed.”
