British Asian population warned of high mouth cancer risk
Dr Chet Trivedy, a dentist, trustee of the Oral Health Foundation, and A&E consultant at Kingston Hospital in London, has issued a warning to British Asians that they could be at a significant risk of mouth cancer as a result of traditional high-risk habits.
Dr Trivedy believes that common cultural habits in many British-Asian communities, such as tobacco and betel (areca) nut chewing, is placing thousands of people at severe risk of developing mouth cancer as chewing tobacco and betel nut increases the risk of developing mouth cancer by up to seven times.
Highlighting the significance of the issue, Dr Trivedy wants to emphasise the need for greater education about tobacco and betel nut chewing’s links to mouth cancer.
A recent study led by the University of York revealed as many as a quarter of a million deaths worldwide are caused by smokeless tobacco products every year.
“Mouth cancer awareness in Asian communities is vital as it has a very high mortality rate,” Dr Trivedy said.
“Survival chances are closely linked to late diagnosis but far too many cases are being caught too late for effective intervention, particularly with Asian communities who may be less active at accessing healthcare,” he continued. “I encourage British Asian communities to spot the warning signs, ulcers which do not heal within two weeks, red or white patches in the mouth and any unusual lumps in the head or neck area. Visit a dentist or doctor if they notice anything unusual.”
“I want the British Asian community to become more involved in mouth cancer awareness and help make a difference by spreading lifesaving messages throughout their communities and beyond,” Dr Trivedy stated.
