Nicotine pouches, oral cancer and tobacco harm reduction: current evidence and research priorities - PubMed
4 hours ago
- #oral-cancer
- #nicotine-pouches
- #tobacco-harm-reduction
- Tobacco smoking is a major preventable risk factor for oral cancer, with high incidence in South and Southeast Asia due to smokeless tobacco and areca nut use.
- Nicotine pouches are tobacco-free products delivering nicotine without combustion, showing lower harmful constituents than cigarettes and traditional smokeless tobacco.
- Short-term studies indicate reduced oral mucosal irritation and gingival inflammation among exclusive nicotine pouch users.
- Long-term epidemiological evidence on nicotine pouches and oral carcinogenesis is currently lacking, with existing studies being few and heterogeneous.
- Research priorities include long-term prospective studies, standardized product testing, and surveillance of use patterns, dual use, and youth uptake.
- Harm reduction approaches may mitigate oral cancer risk in adults using high-risk smokeless tobacco, especially in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Cautious interpretation of current evidence and ongoing monitoring of emerging products are essential for harm reduction strategies.