Cases of oral cancer soar amongst Asian women
Research recently conducted by the National Cancer Intelligence Network has revealed an alarming rate of mouth cancer amongst Asian women; the study suggests that currently, Asian women are 80% more likely to develop cancer of the mouth than white women.
It is thought that the increase in cases of oral cancer is primarily due to the popularity of chewing tobacco and using the substance gutka, in the Asian community. Gutka is an aromatic mixture of ground nut, tobacco and flavourings, which may be sweet or savoury; currently, gutka is sold alongside everyday items in local shops and food stores and is widely available for public consumption. Since the publication of such shocking statistics, new measures may be brought in to decrease the amount of gutka available, especially to children.
Although most people are aware of the implications of smoking tobacco, as Hazel Nunn who works for Cancer Research suggests, the dangers of chewing tobacco have been overlooked and must now be heeded.
In a radio programme broadcast on the BBC Asian network last night, Blue Peter favourite, Konnie Huq, outlined the dangers associated with chewing tobacco and gutka in order to raise awareness and urge people to put an end to their tobacco consumption. The programme, called ‘Goodbye to Gutka’, featured the stories of children as young as 11 years old, as well as interviews with healthcare professionals and senior members of the Asian community.
Huq aims to change the way the Asian community views tobacco-related substances in the hope that in generations to come the risk of suffering from mouth cancer will be significantly lower.
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