Smoking and other addictions related to cancer of the head and neck

Abstract

Abstract Head and neck canceris a major health problem globally with the projected incidence of 1,176,149 cases, an approximate 20% increase, in 2020. Most research today is directed towards reducing this incidence by understanding the mechanism and etiologic factors associated. Majority of these factors are habitual, with tobacco use being the most common. There are many variations in the use of tobacco ranging from smoked to smokeless, as well as novel innovations like e-cigarette and tobacco tablets, being introduced today. There are also many studies suggesting tobacco use as a gateway drug to other habitual substances, including alcohol and marijuana use. Many of these substances are now being utilized more by the youth than adults, which might develop a shift in the age of incidence in the future. Few countries have asignificant population of immigrants, who bring with thema diverse range of traditional habits, the effects of which still have to be studied on the population. An overview of the various habitual etiologiesassociated with head and neck cancers, and their mechanism of action have been reviewed here so as to get a holistic idea of these substances.