Addiction history among head-and-neck cancer patients: A study to determine the cause of cancer in patients who lack addiction history

Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared

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DOI: 10.4103/2231-4040.197331

Head-and-neck cancer is one of the most common cancers around the globe, with marked prevalence in India. Being a non-communicable disease, the root cause of head-and-neck cancer is the addiction history of tobacco and alcohol. Objective: The present study was conducted to analyze the addiction history among head-and-neck cancer patients and to determine the cause of cancer in patients who lack an addiction history. Methods: Total 100 patients with head-and-neck cancer were interviewed on phone calls, and details regarding the type of cancer and addiction history were noted. For patients in which addiction history was lacking, an unstructured conversation was made to find the cause of cancer. Results: Among the 100 patients, 77% of patients had oral cancer, 22% of patients have larynx cancer, and only 1% of patients have maxillary cancer. Addiction history revealed that 50% of patients have a history of alcohol consumption, 35% of patients have a history of tobacco chewing, and 62% of patients have a history of smoking. Among all patients, 18% of the patients did not have any addiction history. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the patients do not have an addiction history, and the primary reason behind the cancer was found to be a family history of cancer, exposure to carcinogens, and diagnosis of cancer after dental surgeries.

Keywords: Addiction, alcohol, cancer, smoking, tobacco