The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that PNG is number one in the world, with the highest mouth cancer cases.
This shocking news was revealed by WHO country representative in PNG, Doctor William Adu-Krow.
Doctor Adu-Krow attributed the findings to statistics in 2008, where PNG topped the table for Asia and Oceania region with 32.3 people per one hundred thousand people suffering from oral cancer.
The findings also showed that betelnut and tobacco are among the major causes of mouth cancer in the region.
In a speech at the inauguration of the No Betel Nut Day, WHO country representative in PNG, Dr. William Adu-Krow announced that PNG was listed number one in the world with the highest number of mouth cancer cases.
Dr. Adu-Krow attributed the shocking news to the high level of betel nut, alcohol and tobacco consumption across the country.
He told the general public and health professionals that according to statistics collected in 2008, PNG topped the tables in the Asia and Oceania regions.
An average total of 504 males died of cancer in 2008, with reports that this figure has increased so far.
Supporting the move towards banning buai in the city, he urged Papua New Guineans, women in particular, to change this culture for the better.
He made the call following reports that PNG women also had the highest incidence of oral cancer in the world.
He acknowledged that betel nut and tobacco were traditional practices in many societies; however, Dr. Adu-Krow said it is wise to do away with cultures that harm the health of people.
WHO is working closely with the public and private sector in the country to bring much awareness on behavioral change, good clinical services, surveillance and research and to create partnerships addressing such health indicators.
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