Oral cancer claims thousands of lives each year, highlighting its strong link to autoimmune diseases and viral infections. In Indonesia, oral cancer remains a significant public health issue. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Cancer Observatory, Indonesia recorded 6,515 new cases of oral cancer in 2022, with 3,546 deaths attributed to the disease.
The Oral Medicine Conference 4 (OMC4), held on 23-24 November 2024, in Bandung, explored this connection under the theme Interlinking Between Autoimmune Diseases, Viral Infections, and Oral CancerExperts presented the latest findings on how these factors contribute to oral cancer development, offering new insights in the field of Oral Medicine.
Prof. drg. Dewi Agustina, MD.Sc., MD.Sc., Head of the Department of Oral Medicine at FKG UGM, participated in the conference and emphasized the importance of broadening the understanding of oral disease specialists in Indonesia. “Through interdisciplinary collaboration, we can enhance scientific capacity to address the increasingly complex challenges of oral diseases,” she stated.
Causes of Oral Cancer
The primary risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and viral infections, particularly Human Papillomavirus (HPV). These factors further highlight the urgency of studying the relationship between viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and oral cancer, which was the central focus of the conference.
The Importance of Collaboration in Oral Cancer Management
In addition to scientific presentations from leading experts, the conference aimed to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals in tackling oral cancer. Panel discussions encouraged participants to share insights and develop more effective solutions for managing the disease.
“We believe that collaboration is key to addressing the complexities of oral cancer treatment. The more stakeholders involved, the greater the chance of finding better solutions,” added Prof. Dewi Agustina.
Contributor: Dept. IPM FKG UGM | Author: Fajar Budi H.
