As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, every December pushes me to look back at the year. 2025 was heavy. I handled 55 cases of oral cancer. Most of them came to me in Stage 3 or Stage 4. By the time they reached my clinic, they were already walking into months of radiation, chemotherapy, and an exhausting treatment journey.
Out of those 55 cases, only nine came early. These nine were Stage 1. They didn’t need radiation. They didn’t need chemotherapy. They just needed timely surgical treatment. They walked out without carrying the fear of what could have happened. This is the power of early detection.
But then there is the part that still weighs on me. I lost four patients even after surgery and radiation. Not because we didn’t try. Not because treatment failed. But because their immune systems and overall health couldn’t support the recovery. They fought hard. Their families fought harder. But sometimes the body gives up sooner than the spirit.
What hurts the most is knowing that many patients had no clue about their disease. They didn’t know the symptoms. They ignored the warning signs. They delayed checkups because life, work, and money felt more important in that moment.
We often neglect our health because we think we’ll manage. But a small step like an oral checkup might have saved a life. Early symptoms might have prevented months of pain, expenses, and uncertainty.
Oral cancer treatment isn’t just a medical journey. It pulls the whole family into a cycle of stress, hospital visits, financial planning and emotional pressure. A full treatment cycle takes three to four months. And through it all, one question keeps coming up…
Is a complete cure possible?
Yes. When detected early.
Yes. When you don’t ignore small signs.
Yes. When you treat your health as a priority, not an afterthought.
I share this not to scare you, but to remind you that awareness is a shield. A simple screening could change the entire story.
If you or someone you know is searching for an oral surgeon near me, looking for guidance or worried about symptoms, meet a specialist. Find an oral surgeon who listens, examines and explains. If you ever need support, I’m here.
I’m Dr Reena Yadav, committed to early diagnosis, timely treatment, and spreading awareness because every life matters long before cancer becomes a battle.
