?? Oral Cancer Cost India $5.6 Billion in 2022 – A Call for Urgent Action ????

A first-of-its-kind study by Tata Memorial Centre has shed light on the staggering economic burden of oral cancer in India. In 2022 alone, oral cancer led to a $5.6 billion loss, equating to 0.18% of the nation’s GDP.

?? Key Findings:

• Oral cancer is the most common cancer in India, accounting for 30% of all cases.
• The loss of productivity per patient: ?? ?31 lakh for early-stage cases ?? ?72 lakh for advanced-stage cases
• 91% of oral cancer deaths occur in premature age groups (median age: 41.5 years).
• 55% of diagnosed oral cancer cases result in death due to late-stage detection.

?? Why This Matters: Oral cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Early detection and tailored prevention policies, especially targeting youth (who increasingly use tobacco and areca nuts), could drastically reduce this burden.

?? Call to Action:

• Public health policies must prioritize screening and awareness programs.
• High-risk groups need focused strategies for early detection.
• Addressing the fear and misconceptions surrounding oral cancer can lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.

This study highlights a?public health crisis?and a significant economic challenge for India. Tackling this issue requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the community.

Let’s work towards a future where preventable diseases like oral cancer no longer claim lives—or livelihoods. ??

SwaLife Biotech Dr. Pravin Dattatraya Badhe

#PublicHealth #OralCancer #HealthcarePolicy #CancerAwareness #India #TataMemorialCentre #HealthEconomics #PreventionIsBetterThanCure