Beware, chewers: Betel nut may cause cancer (video)

Do you know that consumption of betel nuts can cause oral cancer? Perhaps not! But doctors say it does and the cases of oral cancers are rising day by day.

The deadly habit of taking betel nuts with betel leaves or chewing them raw is followed over centuries in Bangladesh, and it is quite popular for the marginal-level people for its stimulating effect.

A recent study has found that chewing betel nuts can cause oral cancer. According to the study, consumption of betel nuts is as harmful as consuming tobacco, or betel leaf. Chewing betel nuts can cause abrasions in the mouth and lips, making the chewers more exposed to cancer.

In our country, people are generally unaware that betel nut consumption can cause oral cancer. Dental experts say that betel leaf and betel nut can lead to oral cancer. But, there is an alarming lack of public awareness among the public about cancer inside the mouth.

Meanwhile, cancer experts said the risk of mouth cancer actually is increasing significantly in the country. They suggest raising awareness of oral cancer among people.

Recently, the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital has started raising public awareness about oral cancer. Cancer experts say that if oral cancer is detected and treated early, survival rates improve significantly.

Now, treatment of oral cancer is possible in Bangladesh.