What is commonly known as betel nut is in fact an Areca nut wrapped in a betel leaf spread with lime. People use it throughout Asia-Pacific as a mild stimulant.
Although the chewing of such nuts has been found to be carcinogenic, statistics released this year by the Bureau of Health Promotion under the Department of Health show that around 1.4 million people islandwide still chew betel nuts on a regular basis. The vast majority are men between 30 and 50 years old, with women representing only about 1.3 percent of the total consumers.
To reduce consumption, the Taipei City Government and the Department of Health have launched a series of programs that are beginning to show some results.
The latest project, launched in May, features classes where dentists and oncologists not only give lectures on the danger of chewing betel nuts, but also advise people on the best ways to kick the habit. Held in health centers around Taipei, classes are free but require participants to attend weekly sessions for three months, explained a city government official. In addition, starting this month, free oral cancer screenings are provided at several branches of Taipei City hospitals.
According to Taipei City Government officials Dec. 8, of the 153 addicts who enrolled in the program, 91 have stopped consuming betel nuts, which represents a 60-percent success rate.
In an effort to reduce oral cancer islandwide, similar classes have been organized by the DOH in 30 communities across the country.
Statistics released by the bureau show that nine out of every 10 Taiwanese suffering from oral cancer used to chew betel nuts regularly. The bureau's Deputy Director-General Chao Kun-yu said that more than 5,000 people are diagnosed with the illness every year, with more than 2,000 dying of it. Not only is it one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among males between the ages of 25 and 44, but it also has the fastest growing death toll, he added.
Not every one though sees betel nuts in a negative light. For "betel nut beauties"--young women working at roadside stands selling betel nuts, their trade is justified. Many of them believe betel nuts are actually good for people working long hours such as truck drivers, who need to keep awake while driving at night.
For others it is a matter of national pride. "Cancer can have so many causes. It is not fair to blame only this Taiwanese product. Indigenous betel nuts are far better than foreign cigarettes or other imported products," said a young lady working near Taipei's Jingmei night market.
Write to Eric Chao at clchao@mail.gio.gov.tw