December 15, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 16, 1429

KARACHI, Dec 14: Easy availability of hazardous concoction of tobacco, infected betel nuts, chemicals and colour unfit for human consumption has exposed people as young as 12 to 14 years old to oral cancer.

The fact was highlighted at a symposium on “Increasing incidence of oral cancer -- tobacco, gutka and chalia,” organised as a part of the 28th biennial conference of the Pakistan Medical Association at the PMA House on Saturday.

Prof Tariq Rafi and Dr Ahmed Usman of the JPMC and Prof Umer Farooq of the Civil Hospital Karachi in their respective presentations warned against the fast-growing incidence of oral cancer in the country.

Unlike other types of cancers, oral cancer was not only easily preventable but also largely treatable, provided the patients reach a qualified doctor during first to second stage of the disease, they said.—APP