New Delhi: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is seeing a steep rise in India. These cancers account for about 30 per cent of all cancer cases. Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx that primarily originates from the mucosal epithelium, but also from less common sites like salivary glands, and nose, sinuses, muscles and nerves. In India, over 65 per cent, of patients report early-stage head and neck cancer. One of the major risk factors associated with the rise in head and neck cancer is the use of tobacco, as per experts.
However, apart from tobacco use, reverse smoking and alcohol consumption are the major risk factors for HNC. In addition, poor oral hygiene, micronutrient deficiencies, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are reported risk factors for HNC.
Explaining how tobacco consumption causes head and neck cancer, Dr Pritam Kataria, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital said, “Tobacco products contain cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens. The use of any form of tobacco can increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer, a common malignancy leading to death. The introduction of harmful chemicals into the body through tobacco usage can inflict damage on the DNA within cells, finally resulting in the formation of cancerous cells. Moreover, the throat, mouth and airways are particularly susceptible to these detrimental effects as they are directly exposed to smoke or tobacco during usage. Consequently, all varieties of tobacco consumption pose an increased risk for head and neck cancer.”
A smoke from a cigarette contains over 7000 chemicals and out of all at least 70 of them are known to cause cancer. These chemicals damage the DNA in the cells and lead to a form of tumours later. Some of the most toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke are:
Which tobacco products increase the risk of mouth cancer?
Pipes
Cigars
Chewing tobacco
Snuff
Bidis (flavoured cigarettes)Tobacco use is the number one risk factor for developing mouth cancer. Smokers are at six times higher risk of developing the disease as compared to nonsmokers. There are various ways that tobacco consumption can lead to mouth cancer.
Which Chemicals in Tobacco are Carcinogenic?
Tar
Nicotine
Carbon monoxide
Benzene
Styrene Aromatic amines
In addition to these carcinogenic chemicals, tobacco smoke also contains several other harmful substances that can damage the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. These include:
Arsenic
Cadmium
Lead
Hydrogen cyanide
Ammonia
Tobacco products contain cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens. The use of any form of tobacco can elevate the chances of developing head and neck cancer, a prevalent malignancy leading to fatalities. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
