Betel raises a red flag again.

Betel is a risk factor for oral cancer. But Swe Swe Win did not mention three other scientifically-proven risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, and human papilloma virus (HPV). So there are four completely modifiable risk factors.

Awareness raising is not a solution to a problem. It is necessary but not sufficient for change. And betel control is not only the responsibility of the individual.

Government regulation of any agent that causes harm is needed. After the betel debacle in the 'first hundred days', the health authorities in the government now need to step up and develop a plan.

Jamie

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More oral health awareness needed, say experts
Myint Kay Thi
Myanmar Times
Wednesday, 25 January 2017

The increase in the number of mouth cancer cases has health authorities scrambling to organise more awareness programs on oral health, particularly on the dangers of betel chewing.

Myanmar Dental Association vice president Dr Swe Swe Win said betel chewing was the main cause of oral cancer. “More than 90 percent of cases are caused by betel chewing,” she said in her speech at the 37th Myanmar Dental Conference held at the Melia Hotel last week.

“The public should take good oral health practices seriously. They need to go for check-ups twice a year.

“Although we are conducting awareness campaigns and public forums on this matter, betel chewing is still prevalent in our society,” she said, adding that more public awareness campaigns are needed.

Dr Swe Swe Win said that she finds many people are afraid to go for check-ups as they are worried that they will be told they have cancer.

Myanmar Dental Association general secretary Dr Myint Htin, who also attended the conference, said the association will focus attention on educating the public “to curb this menace”.

“We will implement [an awareness] project this year. It will include educating, and treating, the public on health issues related to betel chewing,” he said.

The forum also heard that Myanmar has 4000 dentists in government and private practice.

http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/yangon/24680-more-oral-health-awareness-needed-say-experts.html