Tata Memorial ties up with IDA for prevention of oral cancer

City-based Tata Memorial Centre today said it has joined hands with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) to start India's first digital initiative for prevention and early detection of oral cancer.
Tata Memorial Centre and The Indian Dental Association (IDA) together have launched a special course on "Oral Cancer" on July 27 - the World Head and Neck Cancer Day to create awareness and early detection of oral cancer.
Tata Memorial Centre is a known destination for cancer treatment and its dedication to provide latest treatment technology and multi-disciplinary approach especially towards head and neck cancer.
The IDA is the largest recognised body of dental professionals in India with a presence in 29 states and seven Union Territories and over 450 local branches spread across the country.

"We must realise that head and neck cancer is the serious health problem in India, where lakhs of people are suffering from this dreaded affliction. Oral cancer is primarily caused because of use of alcohol, areca nut and tobacco, which unfortunately continue to be easily available in our country," Tata Memorial Centre Head and Neck Cancer Professor Pankaj Chaturvedi said.
"To facilitate early detection and to create awareness, Tata Memorial Centre and IDA, the country's leading advocate of oral healthcare, have taken a step to launch India s first digital course on pre-malignant lesion in oral cavity to mark the World Head and Neck Cancer Day," he said.

Ashok Dhoble, honorary secretary-general of IDA said, "From the dental point of view, oral cancer can be prevented 100 per cent if the patients visit dentists for treatment at the very preliminary and primary stage."
The IDA's goal is to make India oral cancer-free by early detection and prevention, co-ordination and leading the oral cancer awareness program throughout the country, reaching out to local and rural communities, hospitals and schools with its campaign, emphasizing intervention, tobacco cessation, early detection as well as counseling and support for patients and their families.
Globally, oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer with over 3.00,000 oral cancer cases, 86 per cent of which are in India where this disease ranks among the top three cancers in the country.