Unveiling Oral Cancer Epidemiology in Pakistan: Insights From a Case-Control Study.
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Objectives: Oral cancer (OC) poses a growing health concern in Pakistan, emerging as the second-most diagnosed cancer in the country. The escalating incidence and mortality rates of OC place considerable strain on the health system. This study aims to delineate the factors contributing to the elevated incidence of OC in Pakistan. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study involving 688 participants above 18 years old was conducted. Participants were evaluated for reported OC risk factors. Results: Findings indicate a heightened susceptibility among men (71.5%) to develop OC in Pakistan. Factors contributing to OC include advancing age (AOR 1.12, 95% CI 1.13-1.18, p=0.001), low SES (61.4%), and limited education. Significant risk was associated with chewing tobacco (niswar) AOR 6.83, 95% CI 2.67-17.45, p=0.001), areca nut (AOR 4.99, 95% CI 1.51-16.45, p=0.001), and pan (AOR 7.90, 95% C1 3.19-19.59, p=0.001). Parental consanguinity increased OC incidence (AOR 4.72, 95% CI 1.12-4.14, p=0.02). Physical activity had no association with OC (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.75, p=0.004). Excessive sunlight exposure appeared to be associated with OC (AOR 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08-0.28, p-value: 0.001). At the same time, cigarette smoking and alcohol are not significant factors for the development of OC in Pakistan. Conclusion: The study underscores the elevated prevalence of OC among Pakistani men, attributable in part to lower literacy rates and inadequate access to healthcare facilities. The implementation of targeted prevention strategies informed by these epidemiological insights is essential for mitigating the burden of OC in the region.