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New Dental Care for Cancer Patients Launched
10 Jan
Summary
- Head and neck cancer survivors face severe oral health issues post-treatment.
- Pallium India established a Palliative Dentistry department.
- Kerala has high oral and maxillofacial cancer incidence rates.
Survivors of head and neck cancer frequently experience significant physical and psychological distress due to treatment-related aesthetic and functional deficits. Oral complications like mucositis and xerostomia, common after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, severely affect eating, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Pallium India has established a dedicated Department of Palliative Care Dentistry at its headquarters to address these often-overlooked oral health issues. This initiative is particularly crucial for cancer patients and individuals with chronic conditions requiring palliative care, aiming to provide empathetic and effective management of their suffering.
Kerala faces a notable burden of oral and maxillofacial cancers, with specific incidence rates for rural men and women. The new department marks a key milestone in integrating palliative care into oral health, with future plans for a mobile dental unit, signifying a commitment to person-centered care for those facing serious illnesses.
