The popularization of electronic cigarettes is driving a worrying increase in cases of mouth cancer, especially among young people. Especialistas of Secretaria Municipal of Saúde (Sesau) of Campo Grande observe this trend, highlighting the urgency of preventive measures.
The disease, which affects the oral cavity, requires increased attention, with projections indicating more than 15 thousand new diagnoses of oral cancer in Brasil between 2023 and 2025. Em Mato Grosso of Sul, the estimate is 180 cases, with the majority concentrated in the capital, Campo Grande.
Given this scenario, screening and awareness actions are crucial for early diagnosis, which significantly increases the chances of a cure. Prevention becomes a fundamental pillar in combating the progression of the disease.
Screening campaigns intensify detection
An Dia D of Semana of Prevenção, carried out on November 5, 2025 at Centro of Especialidades Médicas (CEM), in The initiative included the participation of dentistry students from UFMS and Uniderp, in collaboration with Sesau and Conselho Regional from Odontologia (CRO-MS).
The consultations, lasting approximately five minutes, made it possible to identify patients with signs such as white spots or persistent mouth ulcers, who were promptly referred for specialized evaluation. The action sought not only to diagnose, but also to reinforce the need for regular visits to the dentist.
Consequences of using electronic devices
The increase in the consumption of electronic cigarettes worries health authorities, who establish a direct connection between the habit and the increase in cases of oral cancer. The disease can manifest itself in different areas of the mouth, including lips, gums and tongue, with serious implications for the individual’s health.
Christiane Salino, coordinator of the action, highlights that late detection of the disease often results in more aggressive and invasive treatments. Essas interventions can include extensive surgeries, radiotherapy or chemotherapy sessions, drastically impacting patients’ quality of life. Changing consumption patterns, especially among the younger population, require constant vigilance and the implementation of more effective public health strategies.
Warning signs for oral health
Early identification of symptoms is vital to successful oral cancer treatment. Estar paying attention to certain manifestations in the oral cavity can make a difference when seeking medical help.
Key signs to look out for include:
Barriers to access to prevention
Despite the importance of prevention campaigns, patients such as Maria Aparecida Martins, aged 63, and Elizabeth of Souza, aged 71, reported difficulties in accessing screening services in regions further away from the capital. The concentration of actions in central points can limit the reach of the population living in peripheral neighborhoods.
Many residents face obstacles such as the lack of adequate public transportation and the costs associated with commuting, which prevent participation in preventive programs. Expanding initiatives to health units located in distant neighborhoods could democratize access and reduce the number of diagnoses in advanced stages of the disease.
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Dental treatment and support
Oral cancer treatment is multifaceted and adapted to the stage and location of the disease, often involving a multidisciplinary team. Therapeutic options include surgery to remove the tumor, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which can be used alone or in combination, depending on each patient’s specific case.
Gabriela Chicrala, representative of CRO-MS, emphasizes the crucial role of the dentist throughout the process, from initial diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up. Early detection is a determining factor in avoiding more mutilating procedures and ensuring a better quality of life, with data from Sesau indicating up to a 95% chance of cure for cases identified in the early stages.
Projections and future initiatives
Sesau and CRO-MS are already outlining plans to expand prevention and early diagnosis actions in 2026. The main objective is to take the campaigns to more remote and vulnerable communities, increasing coverage and access to oral health services in Campo Grande and the state.
Studies are being conducted to implement educational actions in schools, aiming to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of electronic cigarettes and the importance of oral hygiene. Collaboration with universities, involving dentistry students, will continue to be a strategic pillar to strengthen and expand the reach of future campaigns.
