Gywnn death: Missouri and Kansas residents vulnerable to cancers

chewing-tobacco

Doctors say Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn’s recent cancer death is a grim reminder that smokeless tobacco leads to mouth, throat and voice box cancers.

Rural areas of Missouri and Kansas are particularly vulnerable to the problem, said Dr. Edward Ellerbeck of the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Dr. Terry Tsue of the cancer center urges tobacco chewers to see a doctor at the first sign of white splotches in the mouth.

Both doctors say to quit smoking and chewing tobacco as soon as possible.

For help, they say, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Gwynn blamed his years of chewing tobacco for his oral cancer.

He spent his 20-year career with the Padres and was one of the best hitters in the history of baseball.

His career batting average was .338 and he won eight batting titles, more than any other player except Ty Cobb.

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