The role of alcohol in the aetiology of oral cancer: A study done in southern india

Background: Oral cancer is one of the ten common cancers in the world. Its high frequency in Central and South East Asian countries has been well documented. It is estimated that about 1.98 lac new cases and 98000 deaths occurs worldwide with a mortality rate of 2.1 per lac population. The risk factors for the development of Oral cancers includes alcohol consumption. Objective: To find the association between Alcohol consumption and oral cancer. Method: A Case control study done at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India. Study subjects included new cases of oral cancer attending the hospital during the study period and equal number controls. Data collection was done by interview method. Results: Alcohol drinking with an Odds ratio (OR) of 2 was significantly associated with the risk of oral cancer. The OR was 2.4 for arrack drinkers compared to non alcohol consumers. The OR was 3.1 for those who consumed daily and 2.9 for those who consumed thrice weekly. Those consuming more than 120 ml showed an OR 3.84 compared to non drinkers. Those who consumed alcohol for 21-30 years showed an OR of 2.0 and those who consumed for more than 30 years showed an OR of 2.7 compared to non alcoholics.