Publication:

Case control study for risk factors associated with oral cancer in central India

Background Oral cancer is higher prevalent condition in Asian countries. In India, due to higher proportion of population consuming tobacco in either chewing or smoking and alcohol consumption.

Methods Present matched case control study was carried out in regional cancer institute in central India. The study consists of a total 124 cases and 124 controls. Cases were newly diagnosed patients of oral cancer confirmed by histopathological examination.

Results For cases, the  mean age (years) was 47.62, the range being 23-83 years while that of controls was  47.89 years, the range being 24-84 years. Majority were males (83.88%). Majority of cases (79.04%) were past chewers who had OR 2.61. Maximum number of cases (19.36%) were past smokers and maximum number of controls (12.09%) were current smokers who had OR 4.54. Maximum number of cases (30.64%) were former drinker and maximum number of controls (8.87%) were current drinker who had OR 2.97.

Conclusions In summary, oral cancer occurs more commonly in middle aged males. The statistical data of this study provide strong evidence that tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol could be in a straight line responsible for developing oral cancer in central India.