Behind the betel nut smile: the quiet epidemic of oral cancer in Papua New Guinea
By Nerida Bun, Lecturer in Dentistry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Papua New GuineaAugust 6, 2026
Chewing betel ‘quid’ is culturally ingrained in PNG. But it is also linked to high oral cancer rates. A new project aims to improve early detection and reporting.