Indoco kicks off nationwide campaign for early detection of oral cancer

Our Bureau, Mumbai

Thursday, July 27, 2017, 16:45 Hrs [IST]

Indoco Remedies Limited, a Mumbai-based research oriented pharma company, has rolled out its 'early detection of oral cancer campaign' on the occasion of World Head & Neck Cancer Day on February 26.

Dr. Prashant Pawar, senior consultant, head & neck onco-surgeon at Fortis Hospital addressed the gathering on the importance of early detection of oral cancer and its prevention.

Oral cancer is the most common form of cancer and almost 50% cancer cases are detected in the head and neck region. Around 80% cases are diagnosed in the advance stage, which makes it all the more difficult to treat. Oral cancer is the number one cause for death amongst all types of cancers in India. It appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. It includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses and pharynx (throat) & can be life threatening, if not diagnosed and treated early.

If oral cancer is detected early (stage 1 & 2), the cure rate is nearly 90%. However, if detected at later stages (stage 3 & 4) survival rate reduces significantly (30%-40%), despite best treatment. The greatest outcome for oral cancer is always when diagnosed early –not only in terms of survival, but also in terms of functional rehabilitation, said Dr Pawar.

In order to increase awareness for early detection of oral cancer, Indoco Remedies, through its division, Warren, is conducting special seminars for medical practitioners. Further, these medical practitioners will actively work for early detection of oral cancer and counsel patients detected with precancerous lesions. Various towns have been identified with large population suffering from this deadly disease for conducting these activities. Patient education information has also been developed for self-detection of oral cancer, which will be communicated to the masses through various media channels.

"Indoco is committed to create awareness among patients, institutions and the medical fraternity & efforts will be made on various platforms for early detection of oral cancer" said Aditi Kare Panandikar, managing director, Indoco Remedies Limited.