Who Is Most at Risk for Lip Cancer? Doctors Explain the Key Factors

Which people are more at risk of lip cancer: Cancer is a fatal disease. The increasing cases of cancer in many countries of the world, including India, have become a matter of concern. In the last decade, cases of breast, cervical cancer, as well as lip cancer have increased in India. A report from the National Institute of Health shows that 83,400 cases of oral cancer were registered in India in 2022. Of these, 30 percent were lip cancer.

Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer that develops on the skin of the lips. The characteristic of lip cancer is that this problem is mostly seen in people who are exposed to certain risks.

What are the symptoms of lip cancer?

Persistent wounds or blisters on the lips. These wounds have not healed for a long time
Appearance of a cut or ulcer that does not heal for a long time
Appearance of red or white spots in the color of the lips
Feeling of numbness or tingling in the lips
The skin of the lips becomes thick or hard
Difficulty in opening the mouth or eating and drinking

Who are the people at a higher risk of lip cancer?

1. People who stay in the sun for a long time- Doctor says that people who spend a lot of time in the sun are especially at a higher risk of lip cancer. The UV rays of the sun damage the DNA by breaking the protective layer of the skin and can cause cancer.

2. Smokers- People who smoke bidi, cigarettes, and hookah are also at risk of getting lip cancer. Tobacco is used in things used for smoking. The carcinogenic substances present in tobacco damage the cells of the lips. This increases the risk of lip cancer manifold.

3. Tobacco and betel nut consumers - Chewing tobacco, pan masala, and flavored pan cause chemicals to come in direct contact with the lips. This damages the DNA of the entire layer of the skin of the lips, which increases the risk of cancer manifold.

4. Men - Men are at a higher risk of lip cancer than women. Doctor says that along with lip cancer, the effect of other types of cancer is also found to be higher in men. The main reason for this is that men spend more time in the sun in connection with their work and also consume alcohol and tobacco in large quantities.

5. People with weak immunity - People who have a weak immune system are at a higher risk of cancer along with infectious diseases. People with weak immunity are more likely to develop infections and cancer cells.

Measures to prevent lip cancer -

Avoid smoking and tobacco consumption as much as possible.
If you stay in the sun for a long time, apply lip balm containing sunscreen.
Include green vegetables, whole grains, and fruits in your diet so that your immunity remains strong.
Do yoga or exercise for 20 to 30 minutes every morning.
If any kind of wound or blister appears on the lips, then talk to the doctor about it.