Abstract
Dr. Amol Patel
Areca nut consumption is embedded in many cultures, including that of Bhutan, several
parts of India, and other South Eastern countries. Traditional fermenting of areca
nut results in the production of what is called doma in Bhutan. The process enhances
its carcinogenic potential and is tightly linked to oral and upper gastrointestinal
cancers. As many as 45% of Bhutanese people chew doma. It is the number one cause
of cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. We propose the
slogan “Don't chew your way to cancer, say no to doma” would help in reducing oral
and esophageal cancers in Bhutan.
Keywords
carcinogenic - lifestyle - India - Bhutan - chewing - areca
