David on Formosa

Oral cancer as a result of betel nut chewing is the fifth leading cause of death among Taiwanese males. The Taipei Times reports that the Department of Health is offering free check ups for oral cancer as part of a campaign against betel nut chewing.

Those who smoke and chew betel nut are at even greater risk of oral cancer according to the TT report.

Lee said the probability of beetle nut chewers and smokers getting mouth cancer compared to the rest of the population are 28 and 18 times higher, respectively.

Those who do both, are 89 times more likely to get mouth cancer whilst those who smoke, drink and chew betel nut are 123 times more likely to get mouth cancer.

“In Taiwan, 90 percent of those who have mouth cancer have at some point in their lives been chewing betel nut,” Lee said.

I do wonder how successful the campaign against the betel nut will be though. The multitude of roadside stands with their beautiful attendants show no signs of disappearing. If the government was really serious about reducing the number of people chewing betel nut it would have to regulate betel nut sales in some way.