Diabetes Mellitus as a risk for oral cancer: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic patients had an increased risk of cancer at some HNC subsites like oral cancer, while in other studies this risk was decreased. The association of diabetes mellitus (DM) with head and neck cancers (HNC) is still controversial. So, the present study aims to assess the association of diabetes mellitus, and oral cancer and the role of habits in association with DM in the progression of oral cancer. Materials and methods: This study was undertaken at the Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences, Tamilnadu. The study includes 2 main groups, which are 300 Oral cancer patients and a Control group that includes 300 age and gender-matched patients assessed with habits and Diabetes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Results: Out of 600 subjects increased risk of diabetes in oral cancer was observed. On comparison between oral cancer, diabetes and habits in study group and control group, an increased risk was observed among males (aOR = 1.00, 95% CI = 1.000 to 1.312), alcoholics (aOR = 2.317, 95% CI = 1.181 to 2.557), smokers (aOR = 2.938, 95% CI = 0.860to 4.374), and chewing (aOR = 2.532, 95% CI = 1.100 to 2.608). Conclusion: The present population-based study results suggest a direct association between diabetes and oral cancer.