By Admin 
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in the country. Tobacco is generally considered to be the cause of oral cancer, but a new study by Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Center will blow your senses. This study states that alcohol is the cause of 62 percent of oral cancer cases in India. At the same time, the risk increases for those who consume tobacco along with alcohol.
When was this study done?
The study published in the BMJ Global Health journal in December 2025 was conducted on 3706 men from 2010 to 2021. These included 1803 oral cancer patients and 1903 healthy people. These people were taken from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and ACTREC (Kharghar).
What does this research say?
- Drinking alcohol greatly increases the risk: Be it branded beer, whiskey, wine or country liquor like Mahua, Toddy, Tharra, the risk of oral cancer increases.
- One peg is enough: drinking just 9 grams of alcohol a day (ie one standard drink) increases the risk by 50 percent. Less than 2 grams of beer also increases the risk.
- Alcohol is also dangerous: 17 percent of mouth cancer cases are caused by alcohol alone.
- How dangerous is tobacco? Tobacco like Gutkha and Khaini cause 37 percent cases of oral cancer.
- Both together: Consuming alcohol and tobacco together increases the risk by 4-5 times and accounts for 62% of cases.
- What is the effect of alcohol?: Alcohol produces acetaldehyde in the body, which causes damage to DNA. Most people in India have genes that break down alcohol slowly. Due to this, this poisonous substance remains in the body for a long time and increases the risk of cancer.
What do doctors say?
According to Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, head of the mouth and throat cancer department at Tata Memorial Center in Mumbai, alcohol is considered to cause Group-1 cancer. India has a policy on tobacco, but not on alcohol. Celebrity advertisements and surrogate advertisements should be stopped. The idea that it is okay to drink a little is wrong. There is no safe limit of alcohol.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
- Mouth sores or ulcers that persist for up to 2 weeks
- white or red patches in the lips or mouth
- lump or swelling in the mouth
- trouble swallowing or speaking
- lump in the neck
- Bad breath or bleeding.
How to protect?
- Stop alcohol and tobacco completely
- Stay away from gutkha, khaini, pan masala, betel nut
- Maintain oral hygiene, regular brushing and checkups
- Take a healthy diet, which has more fruits and vegetables
Also read: How healthy is canteen food worth Rs 1 or Rs 5? How can we check it?
Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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