Incidence of tobacco chewing in families of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cancer is a major health problem worldwide, owed to its high incidence and low survival rate as well as to the functional and cosmetic deficiencies that accompany the disease even after the treatment. The occurrence of oral cancer is particularly high among men, for whom it is the eighth most common cancer. Aim and Objectives: (1) To evaluate the effectiveness of antitobacco campaign. (2) To assess the prevalence of deleterious habits among families of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material(s) and Method(s): The study was carried out in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology and 30 histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSCC were included in the study. The family members of these patients were given a questionnaire. Result(s): It was found that out of the 30 families included, only 7 families were such, in which the patient as well as the family members had quit the habit. Only 2 families were such that only the patient had the deleterious habit. Conclusion(s): Tobacco smoking and chewing is one of the prime factors responsible for oral pre-cancer and cancer. The incidence and prevalence of such lesions in South Asian countries like India is high owing to the increased production and consumption of tobacco. Copyright © 2017 Clinical Cancer Investigation Journal Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow.