IDA takes up awareness drives to prevent oral cancer

Kolkata: The state branch of the Indian Dental Association (IDA) has taken up an elaborate programme to create awareness against oral cancer. The organisation held workshops in various districts, including Kolkata, for three days on prevention of oral cancer, which is one of the life-threatening diseases.

IDA organised a camp at Dr R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital and its local branches with support from Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology Association. Rallies were organised at different places for past few days and many people, including children, took part in it. Participants in the rallies highlighted the consequences of consuming tobacco products and how one can prevent oral cancer.

Speakers such as Dr Samiran Ghosh, Dr Sourav Dutta, Dr Apurba Garg, Dr Harsh Dhar, Dr Ramanuj Ghosh, Dr Agniva Basu delivered lectures on methods of oral cancer eradication. Joint secretary, Oral Pathology Association, Dr. T.T Shivkumar joined and supported the initiative.

This apart, IDA's state branch also observed National Cancer Awareness month from 1st January to 4th February. The Indian Dental Association conducted oral screening camps at 50 locations treating more than 8000 patients with free detection of oral cancer and imparting knowledge on oral health care and distributing free oral kits to patients.

Dr Raju Biswas, secretary of IDA state branch, said: "Oral cancer has become an alarming threat as more and more people are getting addicted to tobacco products since the past few decades. The cure is simple but unknown to many people. We have come up with an oral cancer cessation center as well."

"We aim to provide better health care facilities to people of all sections through free oral screening camps. We have successfully reached out to more than 8000 patients just in a month's time. Our mission is to transform our state into an oral cancer free state. We are confident that we will achieve our target soon," Dr Biswas said.