Habit Distribution Among Oral Cancer Patients in South Indian Population- A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Of all the head and neck cancers, oral cancer is the most prevalent. It is of major concern in India primarily because of the prevalence of oral habits such as smoking and betel quid chewing. Methodology: This was a retrospective observational study conducted among 240 patients reporting to the Department of Oral Oncology at Saveetha Dental College and hospital, Chennai during the time period December 2021 to February 2024.  Results: Oral cancers were more prevalent in males as compared to females with majority belonging to the 51-70 year age group. Habitual oral cancer was more common compared to non-habitual. Tobacco chewing was observed to be the most common etiology of cancer. Conclusion: In the Indian population, oral malignancies are common. Because of the rising usage of tobacco products, it has also been observed in younger populations. It is imperative to implement preventive strategies based on epidemiological characteristics in order to lower the burden of disease.