BMJ 2002;324:799-800 ( 6 April )

Editorials

Areca nut use: an independent risk factor for oral cancer

The health problem is under-recognised

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Areca nut is the seed of the fruit of the oriental palm, Areca catechu. It is the basic ingredient of a variety of widely used chewed products. Thin slices of the nut, either natural or processed, may be mixed with a variety of substances including slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) and spices such as cardamom, coconut, and saffron. Most significantly, they may be mixed with tobacco products or wrapped in the leaf of the piper betel plant. Hence the more common name betel nut. Areca nut is used by an estimated 200-400 million people, mainly IndoAsians and Chinese.¹ It is used by men and womenin some societies the latter predominate. All age groups and social classes use the product. Areca nut has a long history of use and is deeply ingrained in many sociocultural and religious activities.²

Of particular interest in the United Kingdom, and perhaps other developed countries, is . . . [Full text of this article]

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Rapid Responses:

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bmj.com, 5 Apr 2002 [Full text]

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"gutka."

dr.manan vasenwala
bmj.com, 25 Jul 2003 [Full text]

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