Risk of head and neck cancer among opium users.

Objective: The scientific literature presents conflicting data on a possible causal relationship between opium users and the development of head and neck cancer (HNC). This study aimed to explore the risk of HNC among opium users is a narcotic addictive drug.

Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis encompassed academic databases and gray literature up to May 2023, focusing on epidemiologic observational studies that reported the effect size of the HNC risk and opium use.

Results: This study incorporated 14 effect size estimations to examine the association between opium use and the risk of head and neck cancers based on various HNC sub-sites, including the lip and oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. The random effect model revealed a significant correlation between combined HNCs and opium use (odds ratio [OR]: 4.88; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2.99, 7.96). Additionally, opium consumption significantly increased the incidence of lip and oral cavity cancers (OR: 1.82; 95 % CI: 1.25, 2.65). Opium users faced an approximately eightfold increase in laryngeal cancer risk (OR: 7.86; 95 % CI: 4.66, 13.24) compared to non-opium users.

Conclusions: In summary, our findings strongly suggest that opium use is emerging as a significant risk factor for HNC. This underscores the need for further research and focused preventive measures to address this concerning association.