Risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas amongst patients attending a tertiary care centre of Assam

Problem consideredHead and neck cancer in India accounts for 30% of all cancer associated with distinct demographic profile, risk factors, food habits and personnel and family history.MethodsA case–control study with 87 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with age and sex matched controls were evaluated for possible risk factors in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 87 cases with diagnosed HNSCC underwent structured questioning using predesigned pretested schedule. Patients with cancers in oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx and laryngeal areas were included. Patients from outside the state of Assam were excluded. Statistical speculations were done by using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsIlliteracy [OR 20.88, 95% CI 1.73–251, p = 0.017], use of mosquito coil [OR 5.53, 95% CI 1.93–15.79, p = 0.001], betel nut quid retention in mouth for more than 10 min [OR 27.01, 95% CI 1.39–521.40, p = 0.029] and use of biomass fuel [OR 5.31, 95% CI 2.12–13.31, p = 0.000] had significant positive association with HNSCC.ConclusionsPreventable risk factor needs to be addressed. Counselling all patients and screening of high risk group along with health awareness creation may be effective in risk reduction.