Bus crew risk oral cancer

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Around 60 percent bus drivers and conductors are at risk of oral cancer due to excessive chewing of betel throughout the journey and while waiting for their next turn, a Health Ministry spokesman said yesterday.

The spokesman said the ministry decided to commence an awareness programme to educate bus crew on oral cancer named Sub Mucus Fibrosis.

“Smoking was prohibited in public places by the government last year.

“Because of this, most bus crew chew betel as an alternative to smoking. It has become a threat to their lives,” he said. Research related to this issue has revealed arecanut, tobacco and lime cause oral cancer.

Chewing betel and keeping the chew in the mouth for a long time destroys the mucus in the mouth. Thereafter, the muscles in the mouth hardens leading to cancers.

This type of cancer cannot be terminated, the spokesman said. The ministry has established a special cancer prevention unit at Narahenpitia Junction and bus drivers and conductors can check free of charge for oral cancer at this centre.

The spokesman said a large number of persons in rural areas suffer from oral cancer due to excessive chewing of betel.