A 33-year-old member asked:
What causes chewing tobacco to cause cancer but chewing, let's say, maple leaves doesn't?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ramji Rajendrananswered
Radiation Oncology 18 years experience
Chewing tabacco: Chewing tabacco has many known carcinogens. Betel nut chewing has also been linked to carcinogenesis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
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A 44-year-old member asked:
What causes chewing tobacco to cause cancer (i still don't understand why)?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Edward Kuhnleyanswered
Child Psychiatry 47 years experience
Carcinogens: At least 28 chemicals (carcinogens) in smokeless tobacco can cause cancer. The most harmful chemicals are tobacco-specific nitrosamines, which are formed during the growing, curing, fermenting, and aging of tobacco. The level of nitrosamines varies by product and scientists have found that the nitrosamine level is directly related to the risk of cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 29, 2017
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