UAE | Health
True story
Last year, V.K., a 44-year old Indian resident of Dubai, was diagnosed with tongue cancer. As part of the treatment, he has had part of his tongue and jaw removed.
- Nina Muslim, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 May 30, 2007
Last year, V.K., a 44-year old Indian resident of Dubai, was diagnosed with tongue cancer. As part of the treatment, he has had part of his tongue and jaw removed.
He had chewed smokeless tobacco for 20 years. His wife, S.M., told Gulf News her husband's story as he can no longer communicate effectively.
"My husband started chewing tobacco when he was 15. He chewed often but not continuously. He finally quit in 1997, but the damage was done. In March 2006, he was noticed he had a growth on his tongue. The diagnosis was tongue cancer and he had surgery in India. He had half of his tongue and his lower jaw removed. When we came back, he did radiation therapy. He's OK now.
"I am angry that he ever chewed tobacco. He is not the only one affected by the cancer. Our family has suffered too. He gets frustrated, depressed and angry because when he talks, we don't understand him.
"He cannot chew anymore. He can only eat soft foods. I pray hard and I take care of him. But if I see people smoking or chewing tobacco, I tell them to stop. I tell them my husband's story and I say that the same thing is happening to them."
More from UAE Health
More from UAE
Latest news
- Tracks to be laid on recycled material
- Golden Hour crucial to a patient's survival
- Opening show worthy of UAE
- Sun is shining on prospects for solar power
- Artists focus on craftsmanship
- World leaders committed to supporting civilians
- Schools open a new page in teaching English
- Special parking to help disabled tourists
- Helping hand surgeons have long sought
- Blind woman lights up corridors of power
- In Mind
- At times, I think of committing suicide
- Designer of a creative haven
- Fund to help Dubai taxi drivers' families
- New life-saving fleet of vehicles
Community Reports
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
-
Supporting the needy with food supplies
Group of families engaged in serving isolated labour community hopes to motivate more people to help underprivileged and hungry
-
Leukaemia boy granted wish to meet footballer
Emirati meets hero Al Qahtani, Al Ain team
