Mouth cancer: early signs

Caught early, mouth cancer is much easier to treat.

Look for

• A white or red patch inside the mouth
• A mouth ulcer that does not heal in 2 weeks
• A lump in the mouth or neck

Also

• Difficulty opening the mouth wide
• Pain or trouble when chewing or swallowing
• Loose teeth without a reason

Higher risk

• Tobacco in any form, supari, alcohol
• Get checked free at a government health centre

Sources

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