Mouth cancer: a 2-minute check with a mirror

Mouth cancer is very common in India, mostly because of tobacco and supari. It often starts as a small patch.

Get your mouth checked

• Everyone aged 30 and above can get a free mouth check at government health centres
• Repeat every 5 years, or as your doctor advises
• More often if you use tobacco or supari

Check it yourself every month

• Use a mirror and good light
• Look at lips, gums, tongue, cheeks and the floor of the mouth
• Look for white or red patches, sores or lumps

See a doctor if

• A sore does not heal in 2 weeks
• You see a white or red patch
• It becomes hard to open your mouth

Sources

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: national screening for common NCDs
• WHO: Oral health fact sheet