Posted on 14th Aug 2026, by Admin
This Independence Day, let us talk about another kind of freedom: freedom from tobacco and preventable cancer risk.
Independence Day reminds us of the value of freedom, responsibility and the opportunity to build a healthier future.
For millions of Indians, one important step towards a healthier future is reducing exposure to tobacco in every form—including smoking and smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini and chewing tobacco.
As a Head & Neck Oncosurgeon, I frequently see the consequences of cancers affecting the mouth, throat, voice box and other structures of the head and neck. Many of these cancers can be associated with tobacco and other preventable risk factors.
But there is another message that is equally important:
A persistent change in the mouth, throat or neck should not be ignored simply because it is painless.
A number of conditions can cause symptoms in the head and neck, and not every lump, ulcer or patch is cancer.
However, medical evaluation is important when symptoms persist, particularly for more than two weeks.
Watch for:
These symptoms have many possible causes, including conditions that are not cancer. But persistent symptoms deserve appropriate clinical assessment rather than prolonged self-treatment.
The National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research lists similar warning signs and recommends medical evaluation when concerning symptoms persist.
Head and neck cancers can involve areas that are important for speaking, swallowing, breathing, chewing and appearance.
When a suspicious lesion is detected, evaluation may involve a clinical examination followed, when appropriate, by investigations such as imaging and tissue diagnosis.
The exact tests depend on the location and nature of the abnormality.
The important principle is simple:
Don't wait for a symptom to become severe before getting it checked.
Early evaluation does not mean that a person has cancer. It means that a potentially important problem is being assessed at the appropriate time.
Stopping tobacco use is one of the most meaningful steps an individual can take to reduce tobacco-related health risks.
If you use tobacco, quitting at any age is worthwhile.
Family members can also play an important role—not by blaming or frightening the person, but by supporting them through the process of quitting.
For someone trying to stop tobacco, professional counselling and evidence-based cessation support can be valuable.
A neck lump should not automatically be assumed to be a lymph node caused by an infection.
Neck swellings can have many causes, including infections, benign conditions and cancers.
A persistent or unexplained neck lump in an adult deserves medical evaluation, particularly when it is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, voice change, weight loss or a persistent mouth/throat abnormality.
The aim is not to create fear.
The aim is to replace uncertainty with appropriate medical assessment.
When cancer is diagnosed, treatment decisions depend on factors such as the site and extent of disease, pathology, stage, overall health and the patient's individual circumstances.
Depending on the cancer, treatment may involve:
For patients requiring major head and neck surgery, reconstruction can sometimes be an important component of restoring function and quality of life.
Good cancer care therefore requires more than treating the tumour alone. It requires attention to the person, function, dignity and long-term wellbeing of the patient.
This patient-centred approach aligns with the broader principles of cancer care promoted by Tata Trusts, including access, quality, affordability, awareness, early detection and palliative care.
This Independence Day, let us make one simple commitment:
Do not ignore a persistent change in your mouth, throat or neck.
If you use tobacco, consider making today the day you begin your journey towards quitting.
If someone in your family has a persistent mouth ulcer, neck lump, swallowing difficulty or unexplained voice change, encourage them to seek appropriate medical advice.
And if cancer is diagnosed, remember that modern cancer care is not only about removing disease—it is also about supporting the person through diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship.
This Independence Day, let us work towards a different kind of freedom:
Dr. Sachender Pal Singh
Consultant Head & Neck Oncosurgeon & Microvascular Reconstruction Surgeon
Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Jharkhand
This article is intended for general health education and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Persistent or concerning symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.