ABSTRACT

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death across the world. Oral cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the world. The incidence of oral cancer increases with the increase in the consumption of carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol as seen in South and South-East Asia. Oral cancer is seen to arise from pre-existing leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis. Antioxidants have been hypothesised to be chemopreventive agents for several cancers. Micronutrients such as zinc, copper and selenium, along with antioxidants are required for the production of various enzymes that help prevent DNA damage caused by free radicals.