Naswar Use Drives Surge in Oral and Dental Cancer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Health experts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have linked the excessive use of naswar, a form of smokeless tobacco, to a sharp increase in oral and dental cancer cases. In past three months, biggest dental hospital in KPK has diagnosed more than 35 patients with these serious conditions.
Dr. Bashir Rehman, a leading dental surgeon, has been treating many of these patients. He expressed deep concern over widespread use of naswar. According to Dr. Bashir, about 15 to 25 percent of population uses naswar regularly, often without understanding severe health risks involved. Naswar contains harmful chemicals, including lime, which directly contribute to development of cancer.
Both local and branded varieties have become increasingly popular, further fueling the rise in cancer cases. Dr. Bashir str...