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From habit to disease: When is oral cancer screening necessary? Learn from an expert.
newscrab | April 22, 2026 10:40 PM CST


Early symptoms of oral cancer are often overlooked. According to Dr. Ravi Wategaonkar, timely screening and detection make treatment effective. Awareness and prompt response to the body's warning signals are essential. Regular checkups can detect the disease before it becomes serious, potentially saving lives.

Oral cancer is a slowly progressing disease that often begins with everyday unhealthy habits. Chewing tobacco, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are the most common causes. Initially, symptoms such as mouth ulcers, red or white spots, or mild pain are often overlooked.

According to Dr. Ravi Wategaonkar (Medical Oncology, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital) , early detection is crucial for this disease. If symptoms are recognized early, treatment is easier and more effective. However, most people only see a doctor when the disease has progressed significantly. Did you know that your body can warn you much earlier? According to the doctor, timely screening can completely cure this potentially life-threatening condition. Let's learn some important things about oral cancer through this article.

Don't wait for symptoms to appear

Symptoms of oral cancer appear early, but due to lack of awareness, people only see a doctor when the pain becomes severe. If you use tobacco, smoke, or consume alcohol, you should have regular oral screenings.

Screening is the easiest way

Screening is a simple and painless process. It can detect diseases in their early stages, which are often invisible to the naked eye. Early detection leads to better treatment outcomes.

The first line of defense: awareness

Medical science has made significant advances, but the success of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer . If you can recognize any persistent changes (such as sores or lumps), it can be easier to save lives.

Change habits and take immediate action

It's not enough to just break bad habits, but it's also important to respond promptly to your body's "warning signals." Screening should be viewed as a necessary step in maintaining health, not as an afterthought.

If you notice any mouth ulcers that don't heal for more than two weeks or if you notice a white or red mark, don't dismiss it as minor. Consult an oncologist immediately.

Image Credit: Shutterstock & Freepik


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