4 cases of suspected oral cancer detected at camp

Chandigarh, December 6

An oral cancer screening camp for truck drivers and conductors was conducted in Sector 26 to mark National Oral Cancer Day and four of those checked were found prone to tobacco-related diseases.

Sources said they were suspected of being afflicted with first-stage cancer. The camp was organised by the Indian Dental Association, Chandigarh, along with the PGI. The four have been given referral cards and during biopsy, their health status will be established further.

According to PGI doctors, almost all of those who were screened consumed tobacco in different forms. “Almost everyone was into consuming tobacco. Their view was it keeps them alert, especially while driving at night,” said Dr Ashima Goyal, Professor, Oral Health Sciences Centre, PGI.

“There is definitely some nicotine effect. They should replace chewing habit with chewing-gum or cardamom. Since, chewing-gum has sugar so cardamom is the best option,” said Dr K Gauba, professor and head of Oral Health Sciences Centre, PGI. — TNS