Areca nut (AN) chewing is an addictive and cancer-causing behavior practiced by hundreds of millions of people worldwide including in Guam. In this innovative study, we will compare levels of AN-specific compounds measured from the inner cheek cells and scalp hair from AN chewers in Guam to self-reported AN short- and long-term chewing habits. This unique approach will permit, for the first time, the objective approximation of when and how much AN was consumed. This, in turn, will greatly assist in AN cessation efforts, the most effective way to reduce AN-induced cancers.

Objectives:

• To measure the chemical levels (called “alkaloids”) found in areca (betel) nut in people who chew areca nut.
• To see if the measured levels are related to the chewing habits of people who chew areca nut.

Specific Aims:

• Determine the relationship between areca alkaloid levels in BCs and scalp hair from chewers in Guam and their self-reported AN exposure (expressed as AANL) of the previous week (short term) and previous month and six months prior (long-term).
• Determine whether the above correlations differ between class 1 and class 2 chewers.