How dangerous is chewing tobacco?
I remember reading an article in Awake! Magazine that reported that studies conducted in Europe, India, and the United States show that smokeless tobacco causes cancer in the cheeks, gums, and throat. These findings do not surprise experts. One study notes: “Snuff has the highest level of cancer-causing agents of any product taken into the body.” No wonder that “long term snuff users have a 50% greater risk of developing oral cancer than nonusers.” When oral cancer sets in, the consequences are grave. Not only is the user’s health ruined but his life is often cut short. A publication from the American Cancer Society relates this sad story: ‘Sean began using smokeless tobacco at the age of 13. He figured that it was safer than smoking. After five years of dipping a can or more a day, he developed a sore on his tongue. It was mouth cancer. Doctors removed part of his tongue, but the cancer spread to his neck. More disfiguring surgery was performed but to no avail, at age 19 he died. Befo
