PNG’s Chief Oral Surgeon, Dr Matupi Apaio, has revealed that the leading cause of mouth cancer, and other oral health diseases in the country, is the chewing of betelnut, with lime.
The number of patients attending dental clinics in various hospitals has significantly increased.
Dentists say most cases are related to mouth cancer, as the result of chewing betel-nut with lime.
Chief Dentist Dr Apaio said the number of people diagnosed with mouth cancer has increased.
On average, over five patients are diagnosed weekly, with mouth cancer in various hospitals around the country.
The early signs of mouth cancer can be detected like sores on the gum, as he explains.
Last week, Colgate-Palmolive Limited in partnership with NCD Health Services, launched the ‘Mum You first’ campaign.
The campaign, will run until next month, targets mothers and children, to brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
The campaign aims to remind people about the importance of oral and dental health, and ways to minimize mouth cancer.
People have been encouraged to look after their mouth and refrain from chewing betel-nut
