Betel quid with tobacco, khaini, and gutka are some of the smokeless tobacco products that are responsible for the rapid rise of oral cancer cases in India. Areca nut or betel nut has also helped India in topping South Asia in oral cancer cases, according to a new study. This type of cancer affects the mouth and the back of the throat. It not only leaves your throat sore, but you can also have difficulty swallowing, chewing or even speaking. The rising cases of oral cancer in India are alarming. It is also a major health concern in countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, and Myanmar.
India was found to have the highest number of oral cancer cases in South Asia, as per a study led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and published in The Lancet Oncology in October 2024. Gutka, betel quid with tobacco, khaini, and areca nut are some of the smokeless tobacco products that are widely consumed in India. These products were found to be the major causes of the rise in oral cancer cases in the country. Betel nut, often wrapped in betel leaf, is regarded as a type 1 carcinogen, as per a 2015 research published by the National Library Of Medicine.
India accounted for 83,400 of the 120,200 oral cancer cases in the world in 2022, according to the study. Betel nut consumption (30 percent) was found to be the leading cause of oral cancer cases among women in India. This was followed by betel quid with tobacco (28 percent), gutka (21 percent) and khaini (21 percent). Among men, khaini (47 percent) was the main reason behind them having oral cancer. Other causes were gutka (43 percent), betel quid with tobacco (33 percent) and betel nut (32 percent).
After India, oral cancer was found to be common in Bangladesh (9,700), and Pakistan (8,900). The list also included China (3,200), Myanmar (1,600), Sri Lanka (1,300), Indonesia (990), and Thailand (785).
“Smokeless tobacco and areca nut products are available to consumers in many different forms across the world, but consuming smokeless tobacco and areca nut is linked to multiple diseases, including oral cancer,” said Dr Harriet Rumgay, a scientist in the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC.
The study also highlighted that 31 percent of all oral cancer cases could be avoided by not consuming smokeless tobacco and betel nut.
Oral cancer is a term often used to describe a number of cancers that start in the mouth area. They develop under, and at the base of the tongue, and on the tissue lining the gums and mouth. The area of the throat at the back of the mouth is also affected, according to the US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Apart from smokeless tobacco and areca nut products, oral cancer, which usually occurs in people over the age of 40, is also caused by alcohol, and the human papilloma virus. Here are the causes:
If you notice any of these symptoms for more than 14 days, go to a doctor.
Early detection is important, as oral cancer can easily spread. An oral cancer examination, which is painless, can detect early signs of cancer.
Oral cancer can be treated with surgery, as per the US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. You may be referred to:
You may also be asked to undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is another option that uses drugs to precisely identify then attack the cancer cells. Immunotherapy as oral cancer treatment may work with the body’s natural defenses to improve immune function.
Oral cancer is a cause of concern in India, and other countries. But you can prevent it by staying away from tobacco, and products like betel nut.
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