Oral cancer is on the rise with 19 cases in 2021 at the National Referral Hospital to 24 last year (2022).
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NRH Dr George Malefoasi in response to journalists’ question on reports that oral cancer is on the rise, said: “Yes, I can confirm cancer in general has increased. Oral cancer also increased.”
He said cases are managed at the Oncology Unit which has also seen an increase from 19 in 2021 to 24 last year.
Oral cancer or mouth cancer develop on the tongue, the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth.
The CEO said they had seen more than 14 patients a day whilst on Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually for consultations and referrals from wards and clinicians.
Last week Dr. Malefoasi has also revealed that cancer amongst women (breast and cervical) were on the rise with the age of those affected getting younger in terms of age.
He encouraged women to take regular checks for early diagnosis which is important for the fight against the disease.
News@SBMOnline2023