Early detection is the key to improving outcomes for oral cancer patients, Say experts at CME organised by Fortis Hospital

Ludhiana, February 4, 2023: Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, in association with the Indian Dental Association Ludhiana, organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event on the occasion of World Cancer Day 2023. The event was aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of oral cancer diagnosis and treatment among medical professionals in Ludhiana. The meeting featured session topics ranging from Oral Cancer Overview, External radiation therapy in Oral cancer, Surgical management of Oral Cancer, advances in cancer care and improving awareness of cancer and symptom recognition in Punjab.

Dr. Shekhar Kapoor, President of the Indian Dental Association Ludhiana, welcomed the attendees with a compelling speech, “As a community, we need to understand all of the advances we are making in cancer treatment be it chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Building such collaborations will definitely prove fruitful in providing cancer care to patients.”

Dr. Parveen Kaur, Radiation Oncologist, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, spoke on the topic of External Radiation Therapy in Oral Cancer. She said, "Oral cancer is a serious health concern that requires prompt attention.” According to her, most cancer patients seek medical intervention when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, raising the risk for complications, morbidity and mortality. “The earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery." she said, "Studies have shown that radiation therapy, when combined with other treatments, can significantly improve outcomes for patients with oral cancer."

Dr. Harish Matta, General and Onco-Surgeon, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, gave an overview of oral cancer and its causes. He stated, "Oral cancer is often caused by a combination of lifestyle choices, such as tobacco and alcohol use, and genetics. It is important for individuals to be aware of their personal risk factors and take preventive measures. Risk factors for oral cancer are dominated by tobacco, both smoked and smokeless, and alcohol consumption. Cessation of tobacco smoking and alcohol has a preventive effect on the incidence of oral cancer and probably also decreases the risk of oral potentially malignant disorders.”

Dr. Anish Bhatia, Surgical Oncologist, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, explained the surgical management of oral cancer. He said, "Surgical intervention is often necessary for the treatment of oral cancer. It is crucial to choose an experienced surgeon and a well-equipped hospital for the best possible outcomes."

Dr. Davinder Paul, Medical Oncologist, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, said, “Cancer is a disease that affects us all, whether directly or indirectly, and these days it is on the rise due to a combination of factors, including an aging population, increased exposure to environmental toxins, and changes in lifestyle. However, advances in medical technology have allowed for earlier and more accurate screening and diagnoses, leading to an increase in reported cases of cancer. In city like Ludhiana, the rise in environmental toxins, such as air pollution and chemicals, has also contributed to the increase in cancer rates and changes in lifestyle, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use, have also played a role in the rising incidence of cancer. We recommend our patients to undergo a regular body screening checkup and visit the consultants regularly.”

Dr. Vikram Bali, Secretary of the Indian Dental Association Ludhiana, said, "Early detection is the key to improving outcomes for patients with oral cancer. By educating medical professionals and raising awareness about the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment, the CME event organized by Fortis Hospital Ludhiana and the Indian Dental Association Ludhiana is helping to create a brighter future for oral cancer patients in Ludhiana."

According to recent studies, oral cancer is a growing health concern in India; it is the highest contributor to the total cancer cases in India. In Ludhiana, the number of oral cancer cases has been steadily increasing in recent years, making events like this CME all the more important.

In conclusion, the keynote speakers emphasized the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and choosing the right medical facility for the best possible outcomes for patients. The event was a great platform for medical professionals to learn, share their knowledge and experiences, and work together to tackle the issue of oral cancer in Ludhiana and the surrounding areas.