While chewing tobacco doesn’t carry the same risk of lung cancer as smoking, it’s still dangerous. It is strongly linked to oral cancer, which develops inside the mouth. Most people diagnosed with oral cancer are tobacco users. So, how long does it take to get cancer from chewing tobacco? Let’s find out.
Percentage of Tobacco Users That Get Cancer
The American Cancer Society states that Tobacco causes about 20% of all cancers and 30% of all cancer deaths in the U.S. Globally, it’s responsible for around 25% of cancer deaths.
A study of nearly 400,000 patients in California (2014–2019) found that 57.6% of those with tobacco-related cancers had used tobacco at some point. Current smokers in this group were more common (17.5%) than in the general population (11%).
How Quickly Can Chewing Tobacco Cause Cancer?
The risk of oral cancer goes up the longer someone uses chewing tobacco. Studies show that people who chew tobacco for over 10 years have a much higher risk than those who use it for a shorter time. The risk becomes especially high after 50 years of use.
While the exact time it takes for cancer to develop varies, early warning signs can appear as sores or bumps in the mouth within months or years of regular use. These sores often don’t heal and can turn into cancer if tobacco use continues.
Causes of Oral Cancer from Chewing Tobacco
Following are some causes of oral cancer development due to chewing tobacco:
- Chemical Exposure: Chewing tobacco exposes the mouth to a mix of harmful chemicals, with the most dangerous being tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). These chemicals are strong carcinogens that trigger and promote the growth of cancer cells in oral tissues.
- Cancer Risk: TSNAs, found in large amounts in smokeless tobacco, damage the DNA inside cells. This damage can lead to abnormal cell growth, eventually forming cancerous tumors.
- Chronic Irritation: Chewing tobacco is rough on the mouth’s delicate tissues, causing constant irritation. Over time, this irritation creates conditions that increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
5 Facts About Smokeless Tobacco
Chewing or dipping tobacco isn’t a safe alternative to smoking, despite what some may think. Smokeless tobacco contains small amounts of harmful substances like lead, arsenic, and uranium. It also delivers more nicotine than cigarettes. Following are some facts that explain how dangerous it can be:
- Cancer Risk: Smokeless tobacco increases the risk of cancers, including those of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas. It contains harmful chemicals, especially tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), which raise cancer risk over time.
- Addiction: It contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance. This addiction can lead to heavier use and a greater chance of switching to other tobacco products, like cigarettes.
- Oral Health Problems: Regular use can cause serious issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and leukoplakia, as well as white patches in the mouth that can turn into cancer.
- Heart and Stroke Risk: Using smokeless tobacco raises the chances of heart disease and stroke due to the harmful chemicals it contains.
- Pregnancy Complications: If used during pregnancy, it increases the risk of early delivery, stillbirth, and other serious health problems for both the mother and baby.
Closing Note
Tobacco causes cancer, and it’s a well-known fact. However, if you have used it at some point, you might wonder, “How long does It take to get cancer from chewing tobacco?” There is no specified duration. Therefore, quit it as soon as possible.
Visit Dr. Ahmad Millwala at Katy Cypress Oral Surgery. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializes in diagnosing and treating any complications with your head and neck. Call us at (281) 667-0607 to book an appointment.