Posted in: Cancer by Dr. Tarang Krishna Posted Date: 12 Sep, 2016
A person addicted to betel quid (paan) and areca nut (supari) can be easily identified with his/her reddish black teeth. An addiction to betel nut could lead to catastrophic consequences such as oral cancer.
Betel Nuts and Oral Cancer
The WHO (World Health Organization) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified betel nuts as carcinogens which mean they have an ability to create cancer. Some other studies have shown that betel nuts consumption could lead a person to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as metabolic syndrome.
Health Danger of Addiction to Betel Nuts
- A higher risk of oral submucous fibrosis (a precancerous condition).
- Stiffness in the mouth and in a long time the same could lead to the loss of jaw movement.
- Frequent intake of betel quid wrapped around areca nut could cause toxic reactions in the body.
- Also, the regular consumption of betel nut reduces the effects of medications.
- People chewing tobacco wrapped in betel leaf are 5 times more at risk of developing oral cancer.
Not only betel quid with areca nut is harmful but cancer experts found that regular intake of plain betel nuts too could lead to health complications. Hence, they busted the myth that gulping down plain betel nuts is not injurious to health.
Once in a while gobbling down a sweet paan with sweet suparis does not have any harm. Making it a daily habit could lead to major health complications such as oral cancer.
12 Sep, 2016