HEALTH Minister Michael Malabag supports
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop in banning the sale and chewing
of betel nut in Port Moresby.
“Betel nut chewing has direct health
implications on chewers and poses an environmental hazard caused by its waste disposed
by users,” he said.
“Betel nut chewing is associated with
mouth cancer and it concerns me to say that PNG has got the highest incidence
of mouth cancer in the world.
“At this moment, the health system does
not have cancer treatment specialists and equipment thus we can prevent
ourselves from developing cancer by putting an end to betel nut consumption.
“We have also noticed an increase in the
number of children chewing betel nut which increases the risk of them developing
cancer as early as 25 years.
“Betel nut chewing also affects the
immune system of the body and puts the chewer at risk of contracting chronic
diseases.
“When the person’s immune system is weak
due to prolonged chewing of betel nut, tuberculosis or other diseases can kill
the person within a short period of time.
“Environmental hygiene is also important
as unhygienic conditions can stimulate disease outbreak such as malaria.”
- The National, Oct 8, 2013
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