The Incidence of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers in Betel Quid-Chewing Populations in South Myanmar Rural Areas

• Published in: Acta medica Okayama Vol. 71; no. 6; p. 519
• Main Authors: Mizukawa, Nobuyoshi, Swe Swe Win, Zaw Moe Thein, Moe Thida Htwe, Yoshioka, Yohsuke, Kimata, Yoshihiro, Iida, Seiji, Myo Khin, Okada, Shigeru, Than Sein
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan 01.12.2017
• Subjects: Myanmar; betel quid (BQ); oral cancer; oral cancer screening; smoking
• ISSN: 0386-300X
• DOI: 10.18926/AMO/55589

Oral cancer is a very common disease in South and Southeast Asia. Betel quid (BQ)- chewing and tobaccosmoking habits are etiological factors for oral cancer patients in these regions. We conducted an oral cancer screening in BQ-chewing endemic rural areas in South Myanmar for the early detection of oral cancer in BQ-chewing and smoking individuals. We examined 105 subjects who were at high risk of oral cancer due to their oral habits (BQ users and/or smokers). Three carcinoma cases were detected, and there were 8 dysplasia cases. The carcinoma detection rate was 2.9%, and the carcinoma and precancerous lesion detection rate was 10.5%. In Myanmar, oral cancer screening has been conducted sporadically on a voluntary basis, and nationwide surveys have never been performed. There are also few reports of oral cancer screening for high-risk groups among the general population in Myanmar. Our present findings highlight the need for further screening and surveys. Education on betel quid chewing- and tobacco- related oral diseases and screening for the early detection of oral cancer are of the utmost importance in the control and prevention of oral cancer.