India has the highest number of oral cancer cases in South Asia, according to a new Lancet study. Consumption of areca nut and betel with tobacco has been found to be a major cause of oral cancer in India.
Betel with tobacco, khaini, and gutka are some of the smokeless tobacco products responsible for the rapid rise in oral cancer cases in India. Areca nut or betel nut also helps India surpass South Asia in oral cancer cases, according to a new study. This type of cancer attacks the mouth and back of the throat. Not only does this make your throat sore, but you can also have difficulty swallowing, chewing, or even speaking. The increasing cases of oral cancer in India are worrying. This disease is also a major health problem in countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, China and Myanmar.
Study of oral cancer
India is known to have the highest number of oral cancer cases in South Asia, based on research led by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and published in The Lancet Oncology in October 2024. Gutka, betel with tobacco, khaini, and areca nut are some of the products Smokeless tobacco is widely consumed in India. These products are known to be the main cause of increasing cases of oral cancer in the country. The betel nut, often wrapped in betel leaves, is considered a type 1 carcinogen, according to a 2015 study published by the National Library Of Medicine.
India accounted for 83,400 of the world’s 120,200 oral cancer cases in 2022, according to the study. Consumption of betel nuts (30 percent) was found to be the main cause of oral cancer cases among women in India. Followed by betel with tobacco (28 percent), gutka (21 percent) and khaini (21 percent). Among men, khaini (47 percent) is the main cause of oral cancer. Other causes are gutka (43 percent), betel 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 includes China (3,200), Myanmar (1,600), Sri Lanka (1,300), Indonesia (990), and Thailand (785).
“Smokeless tobacco and areca products are available to consumers in various forms around the world, but consuming smokeless tobacco and areca nut is associated with a variety of diseases, including oral cancer,” said Dr Harriet Rumgay, scientist at the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC.
The study also highlighted that 31 percent of all cases of oral cancer could be avoided by not consuming smokeless tobacco and betel nut.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is a term often used to describe a number of cancers that begin in the mouth area. They develop under, and at the base of the tongue, and on the tissue lining the gums and mouth. The throat area 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, mouth cancer which usually attacks people over 40 years of age is also caused by alcohol and the human papilloma virus. Here are the reasons:
- Using pipes, cigarettes, and cigars, as well as smoking e-cigarettes can cause oral cancer.
- Chewing tobacco also puts you at risk of oral cancer.
- Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk. Sexually transmitted human papillomavirus infection (especially HPV type 16) can cause oral cancer.
- The risk of oral cancer increases with age.
- Lip cancer can be caused by excessive sun exposure.
- A diet with fewer fruits and vegetables can lead to oral cancer.
- Individuals with inherited gene defects can develop cancer of the middle throat and mouth.
Oral cancer symptoms
- Irritation of the lips, mouth or throat
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Persistent sore throat
- Loss of voice
- Lump on neck
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- If you find it difficult to speak
- Difficulty moving the jaw
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Numbness in the mouth
If you notice these symptoms for more than 14 days, see a doctor immediately.
How is oral cancer diagnosed?
Early detection is very important, because oral cancer can easily spread. Painless oral cancer screening can detect early signs of cancer.
- During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your mouth, back of your throat, face, neck, and lips for possible signs of cancer.
- If your dentist finds anything unusual, you will be asked to see a specialist.
Oral cancer treatment
Oral cancer can be treated with surgery, according to the US National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. You may be referred to:
- Head and neck surgeon
- Dentist specializing in oral, jaw, and facial surgery.
- Ear, nose and throat doctor.
- Medical and radiation oncologists, namely doctors who specialize in treating cancer
You may also be asked to undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is another option that uses drugs to precisely identify and then attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy as a treatment for oral cancer can work with the body’s natural defenses to improve immune function.
Oral cancer is a cause of concern in India and other countries. However, you can prevent it by staying away from tobacco and products such as betel nut.
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