Health Ministry: Indians prone to oral cancer due to betel leaf intake
The Health Ministry today stated that 49% of the Indian community are prone to suffer from oral cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer affecting Indian women in the country.
The second largest community that suffers from oral cancer is the Malays with 21%, while Chinese and other communities fall below 20%.
According to the study by the ministry, consumption of betel leaf is one of the cause of oral cancer, which is as harmful as consuming tobacco.
Consumption of betel leaf and tobacco can cause abrasions in the mouth and lips, making the chewers more exposed to cancer.
Other causes of oral cancer include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and ageing.
However, the ministry indicated that oral cancer does not affect the Indian community exclusively as individuals without risk factors can also suffer from oral cancer for reasons unknown.
By Fifi Harteeny Marzuki
