Critical Analysis: Tobacco, Alcohol and Oral Cancer Risk in Asia

This report critically analyzes the association between tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption, and smoking on oral cancer and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk in Asia. The research utilizes a systematic review methodology, focusing on articles published between 2001 and 2019 from PubMed, and employs specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to select relevant studies. The report includes critical appraisals of two studies: a cross-sectional study on risk factor profiles in Andhra Pradesh, India, and a case-control study on oral cancer in Southern India. The cross-sectional study's appraisal reveals strengths in defining the sample and setting, and the use of standard criteria, but also highlights limitations in identifying confounding factors and the reliability of outcome measurements. The case-control study is evaluated based on its focus, methodology, and treatment effects, as well as the study's recruitment of cases and controls. The report identifies the role of smoking, alcohol, and paan-chewing on oral cancer. The analysis underscores the importance of understanding these risk factors, particularly in the context of high oral and HNC prevalence in Asian countries.