Oral Cancer Risk Factors in Bangalore
Author Information
Author(s): A. Nandakumar, K.T. Thimmasetty, N.M. Sreeramareddy, T.C. Venugopal, Rajanna, A.T. Vinutha, Srinivas, M.K. Bhargava
Primary Institution: Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology
Hypothesis
Does pan tobacco chewing and dietary habits influence the risk of oral cancer in Bangalore?
Conclusion
The study confirmed that pan tobacco chewing significantly increases the risk of oral cancer, especially when combined with ragi consumption.
Supporting Evidence
- Pan tobacco chewing was associated with a significantly high risk of oral cancer.
- The risk was higher in females compared to males.
- Ragi consumption was linked to a markedly elevated risk of oral cancer.
- Alcohol consumption and snuff inhalation did not significantly influence oral cancer risk.
- A dose-response relationship was observed with the frequency and duration of pan chewing.
- Educational status differed significantly between cases and controls.
Takeaway
Chewing pan tobacco can make you very sick, especially if you eat a certain type of grain called ragi.
Methodology
A case-control study using data from a population-based cancer registry, matching 348 oral cancer cases with 348 controls.
Potential Biases
Interviewer bias is unlikely as social investigators were unaware of the patients' cancer status during interviews.
Limitations
Only one control per case was used, and detailed socioeconomic and educational status information was not obtained.
Participant Demographics
348 cases (133 males, 215 females) and 348 controls matched for sex, age, and area of residence.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 11.2-57.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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