Do I carry a risk of oral cancer inspite of quitting tobacco?
Q: I had a bad habit of chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes, which started 11 years back. Some 3-4 years back, I quit tobacco and cigarettes too. I consulted a doctor during the stage when I was quitting it and had a nicotine test done. The reports were fine. I want to know if I carry any risk of mouth cancer? I don't feel any pain in my mouth and it is very unlikely that I will restart tobacco. I am very guilty for what I did but I just want to know that after completely quitting tobacco in all forms since 2 and half years, do I still carry a risk of oral cancer?
A:The risk of cancer goes down to about 60-70 percent if you have left all irritants. One cannot promise or predict, but you do unlikely have a chance to get it. So relax and don't restart them again.