A recent study published in The Lancet highlights that India has the highest number of oral cancer cases linked to the use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut (also known as betel nut) in South Asia. In 2022, India reported 83,400 of the 120,200 global cases. The research indicates that smokeless tobacco contributes to over 30 percent of all oral cancer cases worldwide.
The study found that South-Central Asia had the highest number of oral cancer cases associated with smokeless tobacco and areca nut use, with India leading at 83,400 cases, followed by Bangladesh (9,700), Pakistan (8,900), and Sri Lanka (1,300). High incidence rates were also noted in South-East and East Asia.
In India, the study revealed that 30% of women consumed areca nuts, while 28% used betel quid with tobacco. Both gutka and khaini were used by 21% of women. Among men, khaini was linked to 47% of oral cancer cases, followed by gutka at 43%, betel quid with tobacco at 33%, and areca nut at 32%.
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon at the Tata Memorial Centre, noted that the easy availability and aggressive marketing of smokeless tobacco and areca nut have contributed significantly to India’s high oral cancer rates. He emphasized that, despite minimal government revenue from these products, the health impacts and associated healthcare costs are substantial. He described the gutkha ban as a courageous move that the tobacco industry has managed to circumvent.
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