The Role of Tobacco Consumption in Oral Cancer Incidence in Punjab and Haryana

Year : 2026 | Volume : 15 | Issue : 01 | Page : 30 36
    By

    Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Atul Khajuria,

  • Stephen Monday,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

  • Christian Gendemeh,

  1. Research Fellow, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Director, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  5. Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in India, especially in the northern regions, like the states of Punjab and Haryana, where the prevalence of tobacco consumption, smoking, and smokeless forms, is high. Nevertheless, the specific contribution of different types of tobacco and other risk factors related to oral cancer occurrence in these populations has been poorly investigated. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the association of tobacco consumption with oral cancer occurrence and to determine other possible influencing factors. Methods: A case-control study comprising 500 total subjects (250 oral cancer patients and 250 normal health controls) from public and private sector hospitals and clinics of Punjab and Haryana were carried out. Demographic factors, smoking status (type, duration, frequency), and other lifestyle data were collected using structured interviews and medical records. Statistical analyses were performed by using chi-square test, and logistic regression and odds ratio with confidence interval to determine the association of tobacco use and OML, adjusting for confounders. Results: Both smokeless tobacco (OR = 2.5, p < 0.001), smoking (OR = 2.3, p < 0.001) and combination consumption (OR = 3.0, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with elevated risk of oral cancer. The use of tobacco for more than 20 years (OR = 1.8, p = 0.002) and its initiation at age younger than 20 (OR = 1.6, p = 0.04) were also risk factors. Factors, like alcohol intake (OR = 2.1, p < 0.001), poor oral hygiene (OR = 2.0, p < 0.001), and history of cancer in the family (OR = 1.9, p = 0.005), also significantly increased risk of disease. Conclusion: Tobacco use – both smokeless and dual use patterns – is one of the common causes for high prevalence of oral cancer in Punjab and Haryana region. Early start and long duration increase the risk. Other preventable factors, such as alcohol consumption and poor dental hygiene, also have a prominent role. Such results underscore the necessity for area-specific tobacco control measures, awareness, and screening programs to mitigate the burden of oral cancer.

Keywords: Haryana, oral neoplasm, Punjab, smokeless, tobacco, tobacco use

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology ]

How to cite this article:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda, Christian Gendemeh. The Role of Tobacco Consumption in Oral Cancer Incidence in Punjab and Haryana. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2026; 15(01):30-36.
How to cite this URL:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Atul Khajuria, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda, Christian Gendemeh. The Role of Tobacco Consumption in Oral Cancer Incidence in Punjab and Haryana. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2026; 15(01):30-36. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjooh/article=2026/view=240846


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 15
Issue 01
Received 30/11/2025
Accepted 09/02/2026
Published 05/04/2026
Publication Time 126 Days
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