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 the past three months, the largest dental hospital in the province 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 the widespread use of naswar in the region. According to Dr. Bashir, about 15 to 25 percent of the population uses naswar regularly, often without understanding the severe health risks involved. Naswar contains harmful chemicals, including lime, which directly contribute to the development of cancer.
Both local and branded varieties have become increasingly popular, further f...