A review of social and behavioral efforts at oral cancer preventions in India

Background. Oral cancer is a major public health problem in South-Central Asia, home to one fifth of the world's population. In most regions of India, it is the most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women. Prevention is an effective tool to reduce disease burden on society and may offer particular advantages in developing countries. Methods. The primary and secondary oral cancer prevention efforts in India were reviewed and presented. In addition, the scope of the oral cancer problem and the tobacco industry in India are discussed, and the chief etiologies in the region are summarized. Results and Conclusions. The effectiveness of these prevention efforts provides an excellent social/behavioral model for similar programs in other developing countries. Furthermore, similar programs may also be applicable to certain populations in schools or industries in the developed world.