Clinical pattern of head-and-neck cancer and its association with habit/s: A clinical epidemiology study

ABSTRACT Background: The pattern of head-and-neck cancer shows demographic variation worldwide, depending on the various habit/s followed by people in different parts of the world. Aim: The primary objective of the current study was to analyze the pattern of head-and-neck cancer in cancer patients reporting to the tertiary health care center. The secondary objective was to understand the association between the pattern of head-and-neck cancer and habit or habits. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 666 patients with head-and-neck cancer presenting to a tertiary healthcare facility during the period from June 16, 2022, to December 16, 2022. Patients diagnosed with head-and-neck cancer and willing to share information related to the habit/s were enrolled. A Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: 65.8% of subjects had cancer of oral cavity, 32.4% had cancer of oropharynx, and 1.8% had cancer of other sites. Smoking bidi was found to be a strong and independent risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer. The use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut with or without bidi smoking was found to be a combined risk factor for oral cancer. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it is imperative to create awareness about the risk factors associated with head-and-neck cancer and enact stringent laws to prevent the sale and purchase of tobacco products, such as areca nut, bidi, and smokeless tobacco.