Tobacco and Betel Quid in Development of Oral Cancer

Abstract

Oral cancer is a public health problem in many parts of the world, representing the sixth most common malignant neoplasm. Oral cancer epidemiologically registers over 300000 new cases of oral cancer annually; two thirds of these cases occur in developing countries. The incidence of oral cancers among men is highest in northern India, a few areas of central and Eastern Europe, and Latin America.In Asian countries the high incidence rates were reported from developing nations like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Taiwan. Oral cancers displayed the worst survival rates in Latin America, India and Yemen. Some countries share specific risk factors namely heavy tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing of betel-quid, gutka, Zarda, Kharra, snuff and Khat. In addition, other specific risk factors are viral infection (HPV), poor oral hygiene and high intake of charcoal-grilled red meat and mate.Recommendation: Urgent public health measures are needed to reduce the incidence and mortality of oral cancer.

Impact of Tobacco Smoking, Betel Quid Chewing and Alcohol Consumption Habits in Patients with Oral Cavity Cancer in Bangladesh

“…Traditional forms like betel quid, tobacco with lime and tobacco tooth powder are commonly used 34 . More than 90% of oral cancer cases report using tobacco products in Asian countries 35 . It is used in smoking as well as smokeless forms.…”