A 43-year-old farmer.
Advanced oral cancer.
Four young children.
No scope for cure—only palliation.
This encounter, shared in my recently published editorial, was not just a case—it was a wake-up call.
I am pleased to share my article:
“Preventive vs Palliative Care in Oral Cancer – A Wake-up Call for India”, published in the Journal of Clinical Insights and Research in Dentistry (2025)
🔗 Read here: https://www.jocird.org/journalDetails/JCIRD
Oral cancer is among the top three cancers in India, yet most patients still present in Stage III or IV. What makes this tragedy deeper is that oral cancer is one of the most preventable and easily detectable cancers—largely driven by tobacco use.
This reality is what led to MISSION STAGE ZERO – A War Against Oral Cancer.
The goal is simple but powerful:
- Detect oral cancer at Stage 0 or Stage I
- Prevent disease before it destroys families
- Shift India’s focus from late-stage palliation to early prevention
Palliative care is noble and essential—but it must not become our default.
Prevention is where the real battle is won.
If we act early, we can save lives, livelihoods, and generations.
For tobacco cessation support:
Quitline: 9773856664
Website: www.quittobacco.icancare.com
Let us not wait for pain to speak louder than prevention.
https://www.jocird.org/doi/JCIRD/pdf/10.5005/jcird-11034-0025
Gupta P. Preventive vs Palliative Care in Oral Cancer – A Wake-up Call for India. J Clin Insights Res Dent 2025;1(3): 101–102.
