The effect of smokeless tobacco products in the development of head and neck cancers : A systematic review

Abstract

Heavy alcohol use and smoking are known risk factors for head and neck cancers. Smokeless tobacco use is also thought increase the risk for head and neck cancers, and especially oral cancer, however, research results are varying. The aim of this review was to categorize research on smokeless tobacco use’s risk for head and neck cancers by geographic region. Research from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Arabian Peninsula and Sudan showed a strong risk for head and neck cancers associated with local smokeless tobacco products, research from United States was inconclusive on the subject and research from Scandinavia didn’t show a significant risk associated with local smokeless tobacco use. Most evidence were on the risk for oral cancer, but evidence for other head and neck cancers was also found.