Smokeless Tobacco and Oral Carcinoma in South Asia: Evidence and Policy Response
Department of Preventive Oncology, Cancer Centre, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Corresponding Author: Kundu A, Doctus Journal of Oncology.
Abstract
Oral carcinoma accounts for a far larger share of the cancer burden in South Asia than globally, and smokeless tobacco is the dominant attributable exposure. This review synthesises epidemiological evidence on the principal product categories, the dose-response relationship established in cohort data, and the evidence for reversibility of risk after cessation. It then examines the policy record: pictorial warnings and retail restriction show measurable effect, while product bans have repeatedly been undermined by reformulation and informal supply. Screening by trained frontline workers has the strongest evidence for stage shift and remains the most underused intervention in the region.
Keywords
Oral Carcinoma; Smokeless Tobacco; South Asia; Cancer Policy; Screening; Tobacco Control
How to Cite
Kundu A and Ghosh K. “Smokeless Tobacco and Oral Carcinoma in South Asia: Evidence and Policy Response”. Doctus Journal of Oncology 1.1 (2026): 51-70.
Copyright and Licence
© 2026 Kundu A. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution Licence, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.