Betel nut chewing can cause neck and head cancer

Betel nut chewing can cause neck and head cancer

• Head and neck cancer accounts for more than 550,000 cases annually worldwide.
• There is 5- to 25-fold increased risk of head and neck cancer in heavy cigarette smokers.
• There is a significant increase in risk associated with pipe and cigar smoking as well.
• Alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of cancer in the upper aerodigestive tract.
• Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is the primary etiologic agent in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated as a primary cause of oropharyngeal cancer.
• Betel nut chewing is an independent risk factor for the development of squamous cell head and neck cancer. The effects are synergistic with tobacco and alcohol. Betel nut chewing is also implicated in the development of hepatocellular and esophageal cancer.
• Some dietary factors have a role in protecting individuals from head and neck cancer. There is a protective effect associated with increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is increased in frequent consumers of preserved meats that contain high levels of added nitrites.