SEATTLE, Oct 18, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- An increased in head and neck cancers among Taiwanese men may be linked to the legal stimulant betel quid.

During the past couple of decades, scientists have been puzzled by an increase of 85 percent of head and neck cancers among Taiwanese men.

"Recent findings have spurred a great debate about whether the government should curb the expansion of domestic betel quid cultivation," said Dr. Chiun Hsu, of National Taiwan University Hospital.

Addressing the American Association for Cancer Research Third Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research in Seattle, Hsu said, "It is our hope that these findings will prove helpful in shaping future public health policy on this issue."

Betel quid is often rolled like a cigar or folded and generally consists of a betel palm leaf spread with lime paste made of calcium hydroxide and wrapped around a slice of areca nut.

It is chewed in the Asian community because of its stimulant effects, to satisfy hunger, to sweeten one's breath, or as a social or cultural practice, according to the researchers.

Related MedlinePlus Pages:

• Asian-American Health
• Head and Neck Cancer