Rural and remote health
Volume 9, Issue 2, 2009

Areca nut and betel quid chewing among South Asian immigrants to Western countries and its implications for oral cancer screening. (Article)

Auluck A.* , Hislop G. , Poh C. , Zhang L. , Rosin M.P.
  • a University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • b University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • c University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • d University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • e University of British Columbia, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Abstract

The South Asian community is the largest and one of the fastest growing minority groups in Canada, according to the 2006 census. These immigrants bring to Canada talents and skills that can promote Canada's economy and cultural diversity, but they also bring lifestyle habits that may lead to serious health issues. Chewing areca nut and betel quid (paan, with and without tobacco) is a known risk factor for oral cancer. This habit is common in the Indo-Canadian population, as evidenced by its sales in local Indian markets and restaurants. In this article, we present an overview of the sociocultural beliefs, knowledge and practices regarding betel quid/areca nut chewing, and discuss its implications for oral cancer screening among this immigrant population.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

mouth tumor cultural anthropology lifestyle Life Style mass screening Oral Health human risk assessment Asia rural population ethnology health Humans Areca betel nut Canada Mastication Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice Article addiction Behavior, Addictive attitude to health Mouth Neoplasms pathophysiology Culture
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-68849125301&partnerID=40&md5=327b2024dcbd276b862265d332eee078
ISSN: 14456354
Cited by: 50
Original Language: English