Mumbai: A new awareness campaign, “Two-Minute Action for Oral Cancer Protection,” has been launched in Mumbai with the support of K.G. Mittal Hospital to combat the rising incidence of oral cancer through early detection.
Medical experts have warned that over 65% of oral cancer cases are diagnosed at a late stage, reducing treatment effectiveness and survival chances.
The campaign aims to empower individuals to perform a self-examination of the mouth using a mirror — a process that takes just two minutes and can be done monthly.
The official launch of the initiative was attended by oncologist Dr Jehaan Dhabhar, physician Dr Jimmy Mirani, and palliative care specialist Dr Delnaz J. Dhabhar, along with hospital staff.
“Spending just two minutes once a month in front of a mirror to examine your mouth can make a big difference,” said Dr Dhabhar. “Early diagnosis leads to faster and more effective treatment, improving the chances of full recovery.”
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Doctors advise individuals to be aware of the following symptoms of oral cancer, and to consult a medical professional if any persist:
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Ulcers that do not heal within two weeks
- Unusual bleeding or teeth that become loose
- Lumps or swelling in the jaw or neck
- Hoarseness or noticeable changes in voice
- Persistent earache or pain while swallowing
They also highlighted common causes of oral cancer, including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The campaign encourages people to adopt this simple two-minute monthly habit, which can lead to timely medical intervention and ultimately save lives.
