Mouth Ulcers: Women's Hidden Cancer Warning

A concerning trend of rising lip and oral cavity cancers is emerging among urban Indian women, with persistent mouth ulcers often serving as the initial indicator. This represents a significant shift from previous patterns where these cancers predominantly affected men and rural communities. Many women delay medical consultation, attributing persistent ulcers to common causes like acidity or stress, thereby allowing potentially malignant conditions to progress.

While tobacco use remains a primary risk factor, several newer triggers are contributing to the increased incidence. These include prolonged sun exposure, especially on the lips, passive smoking, elevated alcohol consumption, HPV infections, and nutritional deficiencies. Chronic mechanical irritation from sharp teeth, broken fillings, or ill-fitting dentures causing continuous trauma to oral tissues is also identified as a major, often overlooked, factor leading to abnormal cell growth.

Early detection is crucial, as any mouth ulcer lasting longer than two to three weeks warrants immediate specialist evaluation. Poor oral hygiene exacerbates the risk by fostering bacterial infections and inflammation, weakening oral tissues and increasing vulnerability to cancerous changes. Regular dental check-ups and timely management of dental issues are vital preventive measures.