Oral squamous cell cancer in non-users of tobacco and alcohol

In a well-defined group of 161 consecutive patients with intra-oral squamous cell carcinoma we found 23 non-users of tobacco and alcohol. The non-users in this prospective study were compared with users of tobacco and alcohol in the study, and to a sex- and age-matched control group drawn at random from the Danish Central Citizenry Registration. The users in the patient group represented a significantly higher number than in the control group. As to non-users, women represented a higher number in the patient group compared with the control group. Among users and non-users differences were found in the location of the primary tumour and in the degree of differentiation of the tumour. Haematological status and liver function parameters were different in the two groups. There was no difference in dental or oral hygiene status or risk occupation among the groups. The stage and the course of the disease (corrected survival) showed only insignificant differences. The non-user group contained especially older women, and only one of them had anaemia.