Demographic insights into head-and-neck cancers

Abstract

Head-and-neck cancers are the most common malignancies in India.[1,2] These cancers exert a significant health burden in India, resulting in myriad social, economic, and psychological implications. The study conducted by Michaelraj et al.[3] meticulously delves into these cancers’ demographic and epidemiological characteristics in western Tamil Nadu. The local perspective from regional data sheds light on the concentrated distribution of these cancers and underscores the influential role of local variation in risk factors. Such insights hold the potential to inform targeted interventions encompassing education, prevention, and early detection strategies for these cancers.[4] The oral cavity predominantly serves as the primary site for head-and-neck cancers among Indian patients.[5] The study by Michaelraj et al.[3] identified the tongue as the most common subsite within this cohort of patients—a trend in line with other research studies conducted in south India. However, buccal mucosa traditionally ranks as India’s most common subsite for oral cavity cancers. It is worth noting that incorporating questions regarding the prevalence and practices of tobacco chewing within the questionnaire could have unveiled valuable insights. Furthermore, an exploration into the gender-based variations in the distribution of head-and-neck cancer sites could have enriched the study. Divergent risk factors across genders might significantly contribute to this disparity.[6] Among the critical determinants of survival in these aggressive cancers, the disease stage plays a major role. Data on the disease stage at presentation could have helped to devise appropriate strategies for earlier detection.[7] Although the study encompasses a cohort of 150 patients from a single tertiary-care institute in western Tamil Nadu, more comprehensive insights could have been gained by including a larger sample size from diverse centers across Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, tracking changes in cancer trends over the past decade could have yielded valuable temporal insights. In light of these considerations, the article by Michaelraj et al.[3] strongly underscores the paramount importance of tobacco, alcohol, and smoking as the foremost risk factors for these cancers.[8] Emphasis on comprehensive community-based tobacco cessation programs[9,10] emerges as a clear imperative. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.