Study Says Over 80% of Oral Cancers in India Are Caused by Tobacco Use

Today, May 24, reports from foreign media indicate that tobacco use is an increasingly serious problem in India, with millions turning to tobacco to cope with the pressures of modern life. For many in rural and remote areas, it has also become a way of life.

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in India, nearly 267 million adults aged 15 and older are regular consumers of tobacco. In addition to smoking, the most common forms of tobacco use in India's inland towns and villages include smokeless tobacco, often used as khaini, gutkha, betel nut, and tobacco and zaRDA.

The mortality statistics related to tobacco consumption in India are shocking. More than 8 million people die each year due to tobacco consumption, with over 7 million dying from direct tobacco use and about 1.2 million dying from secondhand smoke exposure. The most shocking fact is that over 80% of oral cancers are directly caused by smoking.

While most people are aware of the dangers of tobacco use, many do not realize the harm that secondhand smoke causes to those nearby. Exposure to secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, especially for non-smokers.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 52% of non-smoking adults in India have been exposed to secondhand smoke at home, and 29% have been exposed at the workplace.

With rapid urbanization and economic growth, many people face new challenges and pressures that they may not have experienced before, turning to tobacco as a coping mechanism. Another reason for the increase in use is the aggressive marketing and promotion of tobacco products by the tobacco industry, especially among young people. Additionally, the lack of strict regulation and enforcement regarding the sale and distribution of tobacco products makes it easy for people to access and become addicted to these products. This tobacco consumption thus poses a significant public health issue.

To address this increasingly serious public health problem, the government must play a more active role in reducing tobacco use. This can be achieved by increasing taxes on tobacco products, enforcing strict rules on their sale and distribution, and funding educational programs aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of tobacco use.

However, quitting smoking is not easy. It is a process that requires time, effort, and commitment.

Fortunately, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has become a method that can largely control a person's withdrawal symptoms. This therapy helps tobacco users quit by temporarily replacing the nicotine in tobacco and reducing the motivation to consume tobacco, thereby alleviating nicotine withdrawal symptoms. By providing a controllable dose of nicotine (which can be gradually reduced), NRT can help users overcome physical tobacco addiction and increase the chances of successful quitting. Nicotine replacement therapy comes in various forms, such as gum, patches, nasal sprays, inhalers, and lozenges; it can be a useful tool in facilitating the transition from smoking to complete cessation.

If you or someone you know is trying to quit smoking, be sure to seek support and guidance from healthcare professionals. They can provide advice on the options and support available throughout the quitting process.

It is also important to remember that quitting smoking is a journey. It may take multiple attempts to succeed, but it is worth it. The benefits of quitting smoking are significant and lasting. It not only reduces the risk of tobacco-related diseases but also improves overall health and well-being, extends life, and saves money.

The author is a consultant psychiatrist at Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike in Bangalore. The views expressed are personal.