Report pits race against oral cancer prevalence

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African Americans were among the group most likely to develop cancer of the tongue.

US clinicians have discovered a link between the incident of oral cancer and race and ethnicity.

The investigation is part of an epidemiologic study of oral cancer in California by researchers at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles.

Using data from the California Cancer Registry (CCR), the team examined the incidence rate of invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) from 1988 to 2001.

Oral cancer occurrences were then categorised by anatomic site, and the individuals stratified by ethnicity.

The team found that African Americans and Caucasians, who have the highest oral cancer rates, are most likely to develop cancer of the tongue.

Among Asian populations, Koreans had the highest incidence of tongue cancer, while Southeast Asians were more likely to develop the disease in the buccal mucosa, or inner cheek. Filipino women had the highest incidence of cancer of the palate.

"From what we know of how the cancer develops, we can extrapolate that cultural habits and lifestyle choices are directly linked to the prevalence of oral cancer in certain groups," said study co-author Dr Satish Kumar, assistant professor at USC School of Dentistry's Division of Diagnostic Sciences.

For example, the high rate of palatial cancer among Filipino women could be attributed to the practice of reverse smoking, when the lit part of the cigarette is concealed inside the mouth.

"Smoking is still considered taboo among Philippine women," co-author Dr Sedghizadeh said.

"The lit part of the cigarette contains the most carcinogens and if held near the palate, could account for these statistics."

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