Increasing Education and Campaigns

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 19 views

The Relationship Between Tobacco Smoking, Drinking Alcohol, and Smoking Cannabis to the Occurrence of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC): A Systematic Literature Review

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of malignant and life-threatening oral cavity cancer that originates from squamous cells, which are layered epithelial cells that line the oral cavity. OSCC is one of the most common types of cancer, accounting for 3-4% of the total cases worldwide. In Southeast Asia, the incidence rate of OSCC is even higher, reaching 40%. Various factors contribute to the development of OSCC, including behavior and bad habits such as tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking cannabis. This study aims to examine the relationship between these customs and the risk of OSCC through a systematic literature review.

Understanding the Research Methods: Systematic Literature Review

This study employs the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method by searching literature on four trusted online databases, namely Pubmed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Proquest. The search was conducted on October 25, 2021, using the keyword "Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma" and "Tobacco" and "Alcohol" and "Cannabis Sativa". Out of the 84 literature found, an article duplication examination with Mendeley application was carried out. Furthermore, the screening process based on the title and abstract was done to select literature that meets the feasibility criteria, resulting in 5 literature for further analysis.

The Relationship Between Tobacco Smoking, Drinking Alcohol, and Smoking Cannabis to the Risk of OSCC

Based on the literature analysis obtained, several important points related to the relationship between tobacco smoking habits, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana with the risk of OSCC were found:

Tobacco Cigarettes: A Major Risk Factor for OSCC

Tobacco cigarettes contain carcinogenic substances such as nitrosamine, benzopyrene, and amino aromatic compounds. Research shows a strong relationship between tobacco smoking and an increased risk of OSCC. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified tobacco smoking as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating that it is a known cause of cancer.

Drinking Alcohol: A Co-Carcinogen

Alcohol contains ethanol, which is a co-carcinogen. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of OSCC, especially when combined with tobacco smoking. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating that it is a known cause of cancer.

Marijuana Cigarettes: A Controversial Issue

Marijuana contains cannabinoids, which are carcinogenic chemical compounds. However, based on the literature examined, there has not been strong evidence to support a direct relationship between smoking cannabis and an increased risk of OSCC. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between marijuana smoking and OSCC.

Conclusion

This literature review shows that tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for OSCC, followed by drinking alcohol. Although cannabis contains carcinogenic substances, existing research has not shown a direct relationship between smoking cannabis with an increased risk of OSCC. It is essential to note that this research does not discuss the synergistic effects of the combination of tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana on the risk of OSCC. Further research is needed to examine the effect of the combination.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Increasing Education and Campaigns: Increasing education and campaigns about the dangers of tobacco smoking and drinking excessive alcohol, especially related to the risk of OSCC.
Further Research: Conducting further research to examine the synergistic effects of the combination of tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana on the risk of OSCC.
Effective Prevention Strategies: Encouraging the development of more effective prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of OSCC, especially in Southeast Asia.

Note: This article is a summary of the results of literature reviews and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with professional medical personnel to get more complete and accurate information.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Limited Literature: The literature search was limited to four online databases, which may not have captured all relevant studies.
Selection Bias: The screening process based on the title and abstract may have introduced selection bias.
Lack of Longitudinal Studies: The majority of the studies examined were cross-sectional, which may not have captured the temporal relationship between tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana and the risk of OSCC.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Examine the Synergistic Effects: Examine the synergistic effects of the combination of tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana on the risk of OSCC.
Investigate the Temporal Relationship: Investigate the temporal relationship between tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking marijuana and the risk of OSCC.
Develop Effective Prevention Strategies: Develop more effective prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of OSCC, especially in Southeast Asia.

By understanding the relationship between tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking cannabis and the risk of OSCC, we can develop more effective prevention strategies to reduce the prevalence of this life-threatening cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Tobacco Smoking, Drinking Alcohol, and Smoking Cannabis to the Occurrence of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

Q: What is Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)?

A: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of malignant and life-threatening oral cavity cancer that originates from squamous cells, which are layered epithelial cells that line the oral cavity.

Q: What are the risk factors for OSCC?

A: The risk factors for OSCC include behavior and bad habits such as tobacco smoking, drinking alcohol, and smoking cannabis. Other risk factors include genetic predisposition, viral infections, and exposure to carcinogens.

Q: What is the relationship between tobacco smoking and OSCC?

A: Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for OSCC. Research shows a strong relationship between tobacco smoking and an increased risk of OSCC. Tobacco cigarettes contain carcinogenic substances such as nitrosamine, benzopyrene, and amino aromatic compounds.

Q: What is the relationship between drinking alcohol and OSCC?

A: Drinking alcohol is a co-carcinogen that can increase the risk of OSCC, especially when combined with tobacco smoking. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increased risk of OSCC.

Q: What is the relationship between smoking cannabis and OSCC?

A: The relationship between smoking cannabis and OSCC is still unclear. While cannabis contains carcinogenic substances, existing research has not shown a direct relationship between smoking cannabis and an increased risk of OSCC.

Q: Can I reduce my risk of OSCC by quitting tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol?

A: Yes, quitting tobacco smoking and drinking alcohol can significantly reduce your risk of OSCC. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also help reduce your risk of OSCC.

Q: What are the symptoms of OSCC?

A: The symptoms of OSCC can include:

A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
A lump or mass in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing or eating
Pain or discomfort in the mouth or throat
A change in the color or texture of the skin in the mouth

Q: How is OSCC diagnosed?

A: OSCC is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as:

Biopsy: A sample of tissue is removed from the affected area and examined under a microscope.
Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may be used to visualize the tumor and surrounding tissues.
Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted through the mouth to visualize the affected area.

Q: What are the treatment options for OSCC?

A: The treatment options for OSCC depend on the stage and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include:

Surgery: Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues.
Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Use of medications to kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: Use of medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and spread.

Q: Can OSCC be prevented?

A: While there is no guaranteed way to prevent OSCC, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking or drinking excessively, can reduce your risk of developing OSCC.

Q: Where can I get more information about OSCC?

A: You can get more information about OSCC from:

The American Cancer Society (ACS)
The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF)
Your healthcare provider or dentist

Remember, early detection and treatment of OSCC can significantly improve your chances of survival. If you have any concerns or symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.