CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · South Asian J Cancer 2024; 13(01): 001-003
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764216
Review Article
International

Chewing Doma (Fermented Betel Nut): Culture versus Cancer?

Amol Patel
1   Department of Medical Oncology, INHS ASVINI, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Manali Patel
2   Department of Critical Care Medicine, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
,
Phub Tshering
3   Department of Oncology, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
,
Venkata Pradeep Babu Koyyala
4   Department of Medical Oncology, Tezpur Cancer Centre, Tezpur, Assam, India
,
Nikhil Ghadyalpatil
5   Department of Medical Oncology, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

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Dr. Amol Patel

Areca nut consumption is embedded in many cultures, including that of Bhutan, several parts of India, and other South Eastern countries. Traditional fermenting of areca nut results in the production of what is called doma in Bhutan. The process enhances its carcinogenic potential and is tightly linked to oral and upper gastrointestinal cancers. As many as 45% of Bhutanese people chew doma. It is the number one cause of cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. We propose the slogan “Don't chew your way to cancer, say no to doma” would help in reducing oral and esophageal cancers in Bhutan.



Publication History

Article published online:
10 April 2023

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