Hi,

I am new to this board so first let me introduce myself. My name is Brian. I am a 30 almost 31 year old male. I am overall healthy. I exercise regurlary. Eat right and take an array of vitamins and supplements. BUT I AM A LONG TIME SMOKELESS TOBACCO USER..

My Question Concerns the following:

I have used smokeless tobacco since the age of 18. I have tried to quit many times. I have tried to quit "cold turkey", box after box of nicotine gum, and yet I still continue to dip.

I know the risk associated with smokeless tobacco use and mouth cancer. And the length of time (13 years) I have been using smokeless tobacco my risk for mouth cancer is probably very high, and that is my concern.

I have no visual signs of mouth cancer. I have researched the warning signs--luekoplakia, etc. I know that the tobacco being placed in the mouth over time causes irratation and for a new layer of cells to build up and some of those cells could become out of control and turn into cancer. I also know that smokeless tobacco contains carcinongens.

So, finally here is my main question: USUALLY HOW LONG DOES A SMOKELESS TOBACOO USER HAVE BEFORE HE OR SHE IS IN DANGER OF DEVOLOPING ORAL CANCER. I know that it obviously varies from peroson to person. But I was looking for a general time frame.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated