Nagpur Faces Alarming Rise in Head and Neck Cancer Cases: Doctors Urge Early Detection
Nagpur cancer cases are rising at an alarming rate, according to doctors at RST Cancer Hospital. Every week, dozens of patients walk in with persistent ulcers, swelling, or unexplained pain in the mouth and throat. Many of them come too late for early treatment.
The city’s top cancer specialists have confirmed that nearly 40% of all cancers diagnosed at the hospital in recent years are related to the head and neck — a trend they say is deeply concerning.
How Nagpur cancer cases often begin with minor symptoms
“My husband had a small sore in his mouth. We thought it was just a heat boil or maybe from spicy food,” said Meena Tiwari, a resident of Gondia whose husband is now undergoing chemotherapy. “We had no idea it could turn out to be cancer.”
Her story is not unique. Many patients from rural parts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh arrive only after their symptoms worsen — sometimes when eating or even speaking becomes difficult.
Rural Patients Hit Hardest
According to Dr. Rajesh Mahure, a surgical oncologist at RST, late-stage detection is the biggest hurdle.
“We’re seeing a pattern — most rural patients delay visiting a specialist. Either they don’t recognize the danger signs, or they try local remedies for too long,” Dr. Mahure explained. “By the time they reach us, the cancer is often advanced.”
The hospital’s internal review shows that Stage 3 and Stage 4 diagnoses are now more common than earlier stages. This severely limits treatment success and pushes up costs for families already struggling.
Women No Longer Safe
While tobacco chewing has long been blamed for high oral cancer rates among men, doctors are alarmed by the rising number of women now affected.
Dr. Sneha Vaidya, an ENT specialist, said, “We used to see more men, especially laborers or truck drivers. But now, homemakers, students — even young women — are coming in with early-stage symptoms. Some have never used tobacco, which makes this even more complex.”
Environmental factors, second-hand smoke, poor oral hygiene, and low awareness are suspected contributors.
Spreading the Word Before It’s Too Late
To address the crisis, RST Cancer Hospital is organizing a special awareness drive today. Posters in local dialects, health talks in villages, and free check-ups are part of the initiative. The goal is to encourage early reporting of symptoms, especially in remote districts.
“A mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal in two weeks, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness — these aren’t things to ignore,” warned Dr. Mahure. “Cancer doesn’t wait.”
Why most Nagpur cancer cases can be prevented
Experts agree that head and neck cancer is largely preventable. Tobacco remains the main villain, followed by alcohol, poor diet, and viral infections like HPV.
Still, without proper screening programs and education, the numbers will likely rise.
“We don’t need fancy machines to beat this,” said Dr. Vaidya. “We need awareness, early action, and compassion.”
As Nagpur joins the world in observing Head and Neck Cancer Day tomorrow, health professionals are urging citizens to not delay. A small check-up today could save a life tomorrow.
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