India will be heading for an epidemic of oral cancer unless there is a check on the consumption of pan masala, an expert at the Cancer Research Institute in Mumbai has warned.
R A Bhisey, who has analysed the various studies conducted on pan masala in different laboratories in India, says that available results clearly indicate that pan masala is a potential human carcinogen.

Pan masala was introduced in the Indian market in around 1975. It contains a mixture of areca nut (80%), catechu (10%), lime (1%), flavouring agents and spices (9%).
Reporting her findings in the proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy, Bhisey said that survey of relevant literature indicates that pan masala constituents Individual and in the mixture form Induce gene mutations and chromosomal damage and give rise to a variety of tumors in rats.
She said that large scale studies using patterns and controls have revealed a direct relationship between chewing pan masala and Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF), a condition that is a precursor to oral cancer.
Bureau Report