In health news, a 19-year-old man in Taitung, who started to chew betel nuts at the early age of 12, was recently found to have developed lesions in his mouth, a preliminary symptom of oral cancer, which makes him the youngest victim of this disease the island has ever seen.

A number of individuals have developed a habit of chewing beetle nuts, one after another continuously.

These people will have to be aware of their habit as beetle nuts can cause people to develop oral cancer at an early age.

The youngest case involves a 19-year-old resident of Taitung County who sought medical attention after feeling pains in his mouth.

The doctor discovered multiple white spots within the boy's mouth, lesions that are pre-determinant signs of oral cancer.

It seems that because the youth developed a habit of chewing beetle nuts since he was in sixth grade, he began to show pre-cancerous symptoms at the age of just 19.

Medical experts are warning the public that Taiwan may now be ranked with the highest rate of oral cancers, especially in Taitung, where beetle nuts are inexpensive.

People should not assume that it only attacks middle to older aged people.

Anyone with a habit of chewing beetle nuts are at risk of developing oral cancer at an early age.

It is recommended that beetle nut chewers not only get regular health checkups every two years, but also try to kick this dangerous habit.

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