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'It Was A Prank, Don't Fall For This Gossip', Kiku Sharda Opened Up On Viral Video From Kapil Sharma Show Sets
Bollywood

‘It Was A Prank, Don’t Fall For This Gossip’, Kiku Sharda Opened Up On Viral Video From Kapil Sharma Show Sets

by jummy84
written by jummy84

For the past several days, there were reports of stand-up comedians Kiku Sharda fighting with Krushna Abhishek and leaving ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’. Now, Kiku Sharda has reacted to this and called the fight with Krushna a prank. Apart from this, he also said that he will always be a part of Kapil Sharma’s show. The reports got intense when Kiku was shown in Ashneer Grover’s show ‘Rise and Fall’.

Kiku Sharda

Let us tell you that Kiku is participating in Ashneer’s show as a contestant. On the other hand, a few weeks ago, a video came out from the set of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show 3’, in which Kiku Sharda and Krushna Abhishek were having a heated argument. Now, Kiku Sharda has cleared everything and has shared a picture with Krushna Abhishek on his Instagram account.

Kiku Sharda

Along with it, he wrote, ‘This bond will never break. That fight was just a prank. Do not fall for this gossip and rumours that I have left ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’. I will always be a part of the show and this family. So leave all this and go watch the show on Netflix. Only 3 episodes are left.’ Now, fans are reacting a lot to this post of Kiku Sharda and have breathed a sigh of relief that everything is fine between the two actors.

Kiku Sharda

A few days back, a video surfaced on social media in which Kiku Sharda was seen saying, ‘Am I passing time?’ On this, Krushna Abhishek got angry and said, ‘Okay then, you do it. I have no problem. I go from here. I love you, and I don’t want to raise my voice.’ On this, Kiku told him that he was taking the matter the wrong way. Although many users then called this video a publicity stunt, some also said that there was a real fight between the two.

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Woman shares she 'lost all her belly fat in 1 month by cutting out these 5 foods': 'You don’t need magic pills'
Lifestyle

Woman shares she ‘lost all her belly fat in 1 month by cutting out these 5 foods’: ‘You don’t need magic pills’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Nutritionist and health coach Ruchi Sharmma took to Instagram on July 18 to share how she toned up by avoiding certain foods. She said, “I lost close to 5 kg and got a flatter stomach in a month. You don’t need magic pills. You need to know what to stop eating first. These 5 food types were silently holding me back.” Also read | French biochemist shares simple hack for enjoying fast food with fewer blood sugar spikes

Nutritionist Ruchi Sharma shared her top foods to avoid for weight loss and a flatter stomach.(Shutterstock)

In her post, titled, ‘I lost all my belly fat in a month by cutting out these 5 foods’, Ruchi shared foods you can avoid or limit if you want a flat belly like her:

1. Refined seed oils (Sunflower, soybean)

She said, “Found in namkeens, fried food, biscuits, restaurant meals, you name it, these oils mess with your hormones, gut, and digestion.” What I did: switched to ghee and cold-pressed coconut oil. My bloating reduced, energy improved, and mood stabilised.”

2. Bread, noodles, pasta and grains on their own

Ruchi added, “Eating carbs alone can spike your blood sugar and keep you in fat-storing mode. But carbs aren’t the villain, they just need balance. What I did: I started pairing carbs with protein and fibre, like adding paneer to my dosa or tofu with rice and sabzi. Energy = stable. Hunger = gone.”

3. Tea-time snacking: biscuits, rusks, diet namkeen, makhana

Ruchi said, “These sneaky snacks seem ‘lightl but keep your insulin constantly high. Mindless snacking between meals = constant fat gain. What I did: moved to 2-3 proper meals and 1 intentional snack if needed. No grazing. No distractions. Just real food.”

4. Hidden sugars in ‘healthy’ foods

“Protein bars, health drinks, flavoured yoghurts, granola – all sold as ‘healthy’ but packed with sugar, gums, and low-quality ingredients. What I did: focused on whole, clean protein like eggs, tofu, Greek yoghurt, protein powders, paneer, chicken, and fish. Cravings vanished, and skin cleared up, too,” she said.

5. Flavoured coffees, nut milks and ‘healthy’ smoothies

Ruchi shared, “These are loaded with additives, sugar, and artificial ingredients, even when they claim to be dairy-free or plant-based. What I did: switched to black coffee, plain milk or herbal chai. Less sugar = better gut = clearer mind.”

Ruchi further shared what she ate and did instead to achieve a flat belly:

⦿ Added good fats and fibre like mixed seeds and sabzi to every meal

⦿ Made every meal protein-rich including snacks

⦿ Didn’t give up carbs; instead, enjoyed balanced versions of pasta, dosa, paratha, and sandwiches

⦿ Focused on habits, not hacks

⦿ Walked daily, got sunlight, slept better

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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NFL Star Stefon Diggs Responds To Claims That He's A 'Pain In The Posterior + Issues Public Apology: 'Obviously I Don't Want To Come Across As That'
Celebrity News

NFL Star Stefon Diggs Responds To Claims That He’s A ‘Pain In The Posterior + Issues Public Apology: ‘Obviously I Don’t Want To Come Across As That’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Screenshot

NFL Star Stefon Diggs Responds To Claims That He’s A ‘Pain In The Posterior + Issues Public Apology: Obviously I Don’t Want To Come Across As That

Stefon Diggs broke his silence with the media on Wednesday after weeks of speculation surrounding his demeanor during training camp.

Addressing comments from NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry and Tom Curran that he was “becoming a bit of a pain in the posterior,” Diggs responded, “I was referred to as a pain in the a**, pain in the posterior, but I’m going to say exactly what it really is. Obviously I don’t want to come across as that… If I rubbed anybody the wrong way, I’ll I really want to apologize.”

Diggs emphasized professionalism moving forward: “If somebody calls you an asshole and then they start acting like one. . . . I won’t. That’s not me.”

What are your thoughts on Cardi’s man apology?

 


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John Higgins: 5 Things About the Former Please Don't Destroy 'SNL' Comedian
Hollywood

5 Things About the Former Please Don’t Destroy Comedian – Hollywood Life

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Image Credit: Holland Rainwater/NBC

John Higgins was a member of the famous comedy trio known as Please Don’t Destroy: a group of writers featured on Saturday Night Live. While the funny gang isn’t ending, they are going through a breakup since John announced his departure ahead of season 51 of SNL amid a cast shakeup.

“I can’t believe how lucky I was to be a part of this show,” John wrote in an emotional Instagram post in September 2025. “It was my dream, and I got to live it. And to do it with my two best friends and my dad was an unbelievable experience. Thank you to everyone who made my time there so special, it made this decision that much harder. But for now, I’m excited to pursue acting opportunities that I’ll announce soon, but today, I’m just grateful for everything we got to do.”

In true comedian fashion, John added a witty comment to his statement, which read, “As that fat lil bear Winnie the Pooh once said, ‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’” 

Below, Hollywood Life has rounded up five facts about John, his career and his future after leaving Please Don’t Destroy.

John Higgins Is From New Jersey

A Montclair, New Jersey, native, John attended Montclair Kimberley Academy, a private pre-K through 12th grade school. He then attended New York University and obtained a degree in English from the College of Arts & Sciences.

John Higgins Has a Dad who Works for SNL: Steve Higgins

Thanks to John’s dad, Steve Higgins, he learned the ropes at SNL. Steve has worked as a writer and producer for the sketch comedy series since 1995, and he’s the sidekick at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. 

John Higgins’ Family Is Famous

Apart from his dad, John’s other family members are in the entertainment biz. His uncles are Malcolm in the Middle alum David Anthony Higgins and Late Night with David Letterman alum Chris Elliot.

John Higgins Is Married to a Fellow Comedian

Keeping comedy in the family, John is married to his wife, fellow comedian Emily Wilson, per her Instagram.

John Higgins Has Appeared in Movies

Outside of Please Don’t Destroy and SNL, John has landed a few acting gigs over the years. He starred in the Tom Hanks-led film A Man Called Otto and the indie movie The Country Club. 

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Please Don't Destroy Splits as John Higgins Leaves SNL
Music

Please Don’t Destroy Splits as John Higgins Leaves SNL

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Please Don’t Destroy will no longer be operating as a trio on Saturday Night Live, as John Higgins has announced his decision to leave the show, where he’s been working as a writer since 2021. The other two PDD members, Ben Marshall and Martin Herlihy, will remain with the series — Marshall moving to a featured player role in the cast, while Herlihy will continue as a writer.

On Instagram, Higgins explained his decision to leave the show to focus on acting, saying that:

“I can’t believe how lucky I was to be a part of this show. It was my dream and I got to live it. And to do it with my two best friends and my dad was an unbelievable experience. Thank you to everyone who made my time there so special, it made this decision that much harder. But for now, I’m excited to pursue acting opportunities that I’ll announce soon but today I’m just grateful for everything we got to do. As that fat lil bear Winnie the Pooh once said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Vulture reports that this doesn’t mean the end for Please Don’t Destroy as a group, with the three comedians continuing their current tour together as well as developing new movie ideas. Their first film, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, premiered on Peacock in 2023.

Related Video

This news comes as the latest update on the SNL Season 51 cast, which has so far seen Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, and Devon Walker exit while four new fresh faces join as featured players alongside Marshall. For now, let’s look back on PDD’s now-final SNL sketch from the Season 50 finale, featuring Scarlett Johansson and Bad Bunny.

 

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How to Start an Interior Design Business When You Don’t Know Where to Begin
Hollywood

How to Start an Interior Design Business When You Don’t Know Where to Begin

by jummy84
written by jummy84

If you are wondering how to start an interior design business, the first steps are choosing a niche that matches your style, creating a clear business plan, and building a portfolio that shows your work. You can begin even without a degree or experience as long as you bring creativity, planning, and the confidence to take the first step.

Why Start an Interior Design Business?

You have always enjoyed moving furniture around, picking colors, and imagining how a room could look better. Friends probably ask you for advice when they decorate. That love for design is more than a hobby. It can grow into a business.

The truth is, the interior design business is thriving. More people want beautiful and functional homes. Companies also invest in stylish offices because they know design improves productivity. This demand creates real opportunities for anyone ready to step in.

Starting your own interior design business is not just about making money. It is about turning creativity into a service that helps people feel happier in their spaces. And when you do something you already enjoy, the journey feels exciting instead of stressful.

Finding Your Niche and Style

Every successful interior design journey begins with clarity. You may love many design styles, but trying to serve everyone often leaves you lost in the crowd. Choosing a niche helps you stand out.

Think about what excites you most. Do you enjoy creating cozy homes, sleek commercial offices, or digital design services offered online? Each path opens unique opportunities. For example, eco-friendly design appeals to people who care about sustainability. Modern luxury attracts clients who want elegance and comfort. Small-space solutions win over city dwellers with compact apartments.

When you define your style, you position yourself as more than just another person starting an interior design company. You become the expert people remember when they search for a specific look or solution.

Your niche becomes your signature. And that signature is what draws clients who believe in your vision.

Setting Up the Business Foundation

Every business needs a solid foundation. The first step is choosing the right structure. Do you want a simple sole proprietorship or the extra protection of an LLC? Each has its advantages.

Next, handle the legal basics. Register your business name, get permits, and follow local rules. It may feel less exciting than designing spaces, but it makes your interior design business official.

Finally, create a clear interior design business plan. Outline your goals, services, and pricing. This plan becomes your roadmap, guiding decisions and helping your business grow smoothly.

Think of your foundation like the walls of a home. Strong walls let you design freely without worrying about cracks.

Skills, Degrees, and Experience (Myth Busting)

Many people wonder if you need a degree to start an interior design business. The truth is you don’t. Creativity, determination, and learning from experience matter more than formal credentials. You can still learn how to start an interior design business without a degree.

What if you have no experience at all? Start small. Work on personal projects, help friends or family, and document everything. This is how you build confidence and credibility. Learning on the job often teaches more than any classroom.

Books and guides are also helpful. A resource like how to start an interior design business book can show you industry best practices, tips on client management, and advice for running your business efficiently.

Experience, skills, and the right resources together give you a strong start. Your passion and willingness to learn are what set you apart.

Building Your Portfolio (Even Without Clients)

A strong portfolio is your ticket to attracting clients. It shows what you can do and what makes your style unique. Even if you have never worked for a paying client, you can still create one.

Start with personal projects. Redesign a room in your home or help a friend with their space. Take photos before and after. You can also create mockups or 3D designs to show your ideas.

The goal is to demonstrate your skills, creativity, and problem-solving. A good portfolio speaks louder than a degree or certification. It gives potential clients confidence that you can deliver results.

As you complete more projects, your portfolio grows. Every new design becomes a story that proves your expertise and builds trust.

Taking Your Business Online

Going online lets your interior design business reach more clients. Many search for designers on Instagram, Pinterest, or Houzz before hiring.

Start with a simple website that shows your services, portfolio, testimonials, and a contact form. Share projects and tips on social media to engage followers and show your personality.

An online presence builds trust and helps clients find you easily. Learning how to start an online interior design business expands your reach, even beyond your local area.

Marketing and Networking

Getting your first clients can feel daunting, but it is easier than you think. Start by reaching out to friends, family, and local communities. Referrals often bring your first paying clients.

Partner with contractors, realtors, or suppliers. These collaborations create opportunities and help you build credibility in the business interior design space.

Networking online and offline matters. Attend local events, join design groups, and engage on social media. Every connection can lead to a project or a valuable introduction.

Marketing is not just advertising; it’s sharing your story, your style, and your passion. When people know and trust you, they are more likely to hire you.

Pricing Your Services

Setting your rates can feel tricky at first, but breaking it down makes it easier.

  • Decide how you want to charge: hourly, flat fee, or package deals.
  • Start with fair and realistic rates as a beginner. Balance attracting clients with valuing your skills.
  • Always use contracts. They protect both you and your client.
  • Make pricing reflect your value, professionalism, and confidence.
  • When done right, your pricing helps your interior design business grow steadily.

Scaling the Business

Once you have steady clients, it’s time to grow. Start as a solo designer and hire assistants or freelancers. Expand your services to cover full interior design solutions. Build strong relationships with contractors and suppliers to handle bigger projects. Step into a leadership role by managing your team and client relationships. Keep learning and adapting to trends and tools. Smart planning helps your interior design business reach new heights.

FAQ

Can I start an interior design business from home?
Yes, you can. Many designers start from a home office. Use online tools and virtual meetings to connect with clients. You can handle small projects and grow gradually.

Do I need a license to practice?
It depends on your location. Some areas require a license for certain services. Check local rules and regulations. You can still start learning and building a portfolio without one.

How much does it cost to launch?
Costs vary. You need a website, design software, and marketing budget. Starting small helps reduce expenses. As your business grows, you can invest more in tools and team members.

How do I find my first clients?
Start with friends, family, and local connections. Social media and networking events are great ways to attract clients. Referrals often become your most loyal customers.

Can I offer services without formal experience?
Yes. Focus on your portfolio and showcase mockups or personal projects. Honesty about your experience builds trust. Continuous learning will boost your credibility.

How long does it take to become profitable?
It depends on your niche, marketing, and client base. Many start seeing steady income within the first year. Consistency and delivering quality work are key.

Closing Section: Your First Step Starts Today

Starting an interior design business can feel overwhelming. But remember, every expert designer started somewhere. You don’t need everything perfect from day one.

Take one small step today. Maybe it’s creating a simple portfolio. Or reaching out to a potential client. Every action moves your dream forward.

Keep learning as you go. Use online resources, books, and social media to build skills and visibility. Growth happens one step at a time.

Your passion for design is your biggest asset. Let it guide you. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your interior design business take shape.

Every successful interior design business began with one step. You can start yours today.

For more business-related tips and insights, check out our other guides.

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bitchy | Denzel Washington: ‘I don’t watch movies, man… I’m tired of movies’
Celebrity News

bitchy | Denzel Washington: ‘I don’t watch movies, man… I’m tired of movies’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Denzel Washington has been doing a lot of promo for Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which I still haven’t seen. Sidenote: I find Spike Lee’s late-career work fascinating, but one of two extremes – either he’s making one of the best movies in his filmography, or one of the worst. Y’all will have to let me know which one H2L is. In any case, Denzel is doing a lot, and I think that’s out of respect for Spike, because otherwise, he probably wouldn’t bother at this point. In the past year especially, Denzel has sounded “over it,” to put it politely. He’s over the industry, he’s over the awards seasons, he’s over the hustling. As it turns out, he’s even over watching movies.

Denzel Washington joined GQ for a video interview with his “Highest 2 Lowest” director Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky and made the surprising revelation that he no longer watches movies. The two-time Oscar winner admitted it may be because he’s just made too many of them. Washington has well over 40 film credits under his belt after starting his career in 1981’s “Carbon Copy.”

“I don’t watch movies, man. I really don’t,” Washington said. “I’m just being honest with you! I don’t watch movies! I don’t go to the movies. I don’t watch movies. … I’m tired of movies. Yeah.”

When Lee asked Washington how many movies he’s made, the actor responded: “Too many. I think 50!”

[From Variety]

It might be the situation of “I do this all day, I don’t want to do it during my off-hours.” Which is sort of who I’ve become too, in a much smaller way than Denzel. I write and read about pop culture, royals and celebrities all day for my job – on my off-hours, I just want to watch tennis and decompress, not slog my way through a new movie or show every other night. It’s bad, I know. I do watch new stuff, btw, but I’ve become more fickle. In Denzel’s case… he’s been in so many movies, he’s directed and produced, he’s done it all and worked with so many people. I can totally see how he’s reached an age where he just doesn’t care anymore.

Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images.

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Denzel Washington Says He's 'Tired' Of Movies: 'I Don't Watch Movies'
TV & Streaming

Denzel Washington Says He’s ‘Tired’ Of Movies: ‘I Don’t Watch Movies’

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Despite being a prolific actor and expert in his craft, two-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington said he’s over cinema.

In a recent interview with GQ paired with Highest 2 Lowest filmmaker Spike Lee and co-star A$AP Rocky (née Rakim Mayers), Washington joked he’s “tired” of movies — likely because he has made dozens. The topic came up as A$AP Rocky was discussing his favorite double dolly shots emblematic of Lee’s directorial technique.

While he listed Malcolm X and Crooklyn, when asking Washington of his favorites, the latter responded: “I don’t watch movies, man. I really don’t,” prompting laughter from Lee and Mayers.

The Gladiator II star continued, “I’m just being honest with you! I don’t watch movies, man! I don’t go to the movies. I don’t watch movies,” having added earlier that he doesn’t rewatch his own features as he doesn’t feel the need to revisit the past.

“Is it because you make ’em?” A$AP Rocky asked.

“Probably. You know, I’m tired of movies.”

When Lee questioned how many credits Washington had racked up, the Othello actor responded: “Too many. I think 50!” (Indeed, the actor’s IMDb boasts multiple entries over that figure.)

Washington’s signature blunt declaration comes after his recent comments about being “not that interested” in winning more Academy Awards after his triumphs for 2002’s Training Day and 1990’s Glory.

“I’ve been at this a long time, and there’s times when I’ve won, shouldn’t have won, didn’t win, should have won,” he said earlier this month. “Man gives the award, God gives the award. I’m not that interested in Oscars. People say, ‘Well, where do you keep it?’ I say, ‘Next to the other one.’”

Highest 2 Lowest debuted in select theaters Aug. 15 and will soon be available to stream on Apple TV+ beginning Sept. 5.

Watch the full GQ interview below:

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12 Best Leggings We Tested That Don’t Roll Down or Pill 2025
Fashion

12 Best Leggings We Tested That Don’t Roll Down or Pill 2025

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Best for: Everyday wear, walks, low-intensity workouts, tummy control

“I wear this pair of leggings more than any other pants in my closet because they’re that amazing. Even after running them through the washer and dryer 50-plus times, the supersoft fabric still feels heavenly against my skin, and the thick waistband strikes that elusive balance of comfortable yet supportive,” says certified personal trainer and Glamour fitness writer Jenny McCoy. “They’re also impressively durable: I donned them throughout my pregnancy and am still wearing them nine months postpartum. Although my belly has changed a lot during that time, these full-length leggings somehow still fit like a glove—the fabric was generously stretchy when I needed it to be but retained its elasticity. I love these so much I ordered a second pair so I have a backup on laundry day. They’re my trusted companions for work-from-home life, running errands, and gentle workouts like yoga, stretching, walking, and hiking.”

The rest of our editors almost universally agree that these are the most versatile on the list, with truly unparalleled functionality, but one note is that it pays to wear a solid pair of sweat-wicking underwear for working out, because these tend to take a while to dry after a run.

  • Pros: Supersoft and lightweight fabric; high-quality and durable
  • Cons: Pricey; while sweat-wicking, they don’t dry quickly
  • Sizes: 0–20
  • Fabrics: Nylon, Lycra elastane
  • Slip test: Passed
  • Pilling: Minimal after more than a year of avid wear
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Oncologist says ‘don’t ignore mouth sores or patches’ as oral cancer rises in young adults; shares key prevention tips | Health
Lifestyle

Oncologist says ‘don’t ignore mouth sores or patches’ as oral cancer rises in young adults; shares key prevention tips | Health

by jummy84
written by jummy84

Oral cancer is emerging as a significant public health concern in India, with thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. Factors like tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain lifestyle habits contribute heavily to its rising prevalence.

Early detection of oral cancer can boost survival rates to 90% amid rising incidence. (Jerussa Paredes)

“Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major health concern in India, accounting for 26% of cancers in men and 8% in women. Among these, oral cancer is the most common type, with a particularly high incidence in the northeastern regions, where cases reach 31.8 per 100,000 males. Population-based cancer registry data further suggest that the nationwide incidence can be as high as 20 per 100,000 population,” says Dr. Minish Jain, Director of Medical Oncology at Ruby Hall Clinic. (Also read: 25 year old with stage 4 cancer shares why he never eats 3 hours before sleep: ‘Your body needs rest, not digestion’ )

Dr. Minish further shared with HT Lifestyle key symptoms to watch for, emerging trends in oral cancer, and the importance of early detection to improve survival rates and outcomes.

Changing trends in oral cancer

Traditionally, oral cancer in India has been strongly linked to tobacco and alcohol use. However, a recent study in Kochi revealed that 57% of oral cancer cases were diagnosed in individuals with no history of tobacco or alcohol use, indicating an alarming shift in disease patterns.

The age-adjusted incidence of oral cancer is highly variable across India, depending on study design, population groups, and geographic locations. Incidence rates increase with age but tend to decline after the age of 70, a trend consistent across multiple studies.

Advanced-stage diagnosis remains the norm

A major challenge in oral cancer management is late detection. Data reveal that 48% of oral cancer cases present in stages III and IV, by which time treatment outcomes are poor. When diagnosed early, oral cancer has a 5-year survival rate of above 80%. However, this drops drastically to 20–30% in advanced stages, despite multimodal therapy.

Oral cancer in India is rising, with tobacco as the main cause.(Karolina Grabowska)
Oral cancer in India is rising, with tobacco as the main cause.(Karolina Grabowska)

Symptoms to watch for

Common signs of oral cancer include:

  • Red or white patches inside the mouth
  • Ulcers or sores persisting beyond 14 days
  • A lump in the neck
  • Pain or bleeding in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent throat or ear pain
  • Speech problems

Awareness of these early symptoms is crucial for timely intervention.

Key risk factors

Tobacco remains the leading cause, accounting for nearly 80% of oral cancers, especially in men over 40. Worryingly, the incidence among women and younger adults has been rising, driven by smokeless tobacco products such as betel quid, khaini, gutka, zarda, mawa, and kharra. These mixtures, often commercially sold in sachets, are socially accepted and widely consumed, sometimes even kept overnight in the mouth. Alcohol use in combination with tobacco further increases the risk. National surveys estimate that 57% of men and 11% of women (15–49 years) consume some form of tobacco, making this a public health crisis.

The emerging role of HPV

In recent years, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV-16) has emerged as a significant risk factor for oral and oropharyngeal cancers, particularly among individuals without tobacco exposure. Two decades ago, fewer than 10% of oral cancers were HPV-related; today, this number is steadily rising. Interestingly, HPV-positive oral cancers tend to respond better to treatment than tobacco-related cancers.

Challenges unique to India

The biology of oral cancer in Indian patients tends to be more aggressive compared to Western populations. Additional challenges include:

  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Delayed diagnosis due to low awareness
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Low socioeconomic status

Why early detection matters

Early detection not only increases survival chances from 50% to 90%, but also reduces the cost of treatment significantly. Unfortunately, most patients in India seek medical attention only at advanced stages due to a lack of awareness and sociocultural acceptance of tobacco chewing.

“Oral cancer continues to be a preventable yet deadly disease in India. Stronger public awareness campaigns, stricter regulation of smokeless tobacco, HPV vaccination programs, and improved access to screening can dramatically reduce the burden. With lifestyle changes and timely medical attention, this disease can be caught early, transforming outcomes for thousands of patients each year,” concludes Dr. Minish.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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