KOTA KINABALU: Excessive alcohol consumption, chewing of betel leaves (sirih) and tobacco have been identified as being among the main factors of mouth cancer in Malaysia.

       However, not many know about this, thereby also contributing to late diagnosis among patients, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said during the virtual launch of Mouth Cancer Awareness Week here on Monday (Nov 8).

       He said statistically, Sabah contributed over 17% of the total mouth cancer patients nationwide.

       This number, though considered low, is still something to be aware of and prevented, he added.

       Hajiji said the level of information on and awareness of mouth cancer, including its causes and prevention, is lacking especially in Sabah.

       “Thus this virtual campaign week is important,” he said, adding that in many cases, patients were already in the advanced stages of the cancer when diagnosed.

       He urged the public to take advantage of the campaign, which runs until Nov 13 nationwide, to learn more about mouth cancer, the importance of early detection, and scheduled checks on high-risk groups.

       Hajiji also called for more such campaigns and programmes to be held, while encouraging medical practitioners from the government and private sectors to go to the ground and conduct screenings.

       “I would also like to see these programmes done in rural areas where it is harder for villagers to come out, (so they can) learn about mouth cancer and what they can do to prevent the disease,” he said.

       In Sabah, alcohol consumption is common while the chewing of betel leaves and areca nuts is also becoming a trend among the younger generation of natives, who follow what the older generation practises.