The burden of tobacco related diseases is enormous. Tobacco killed an estimated four million people worldwide in 2000, about seven per cent of all deaths. By 2030, tobacco is expected be responsible for ten million deaths per year and 70% of these deaths will be in the developing world and 30% (three million) in developed countries. By then, tobacco will cause almost 11 percent of all deaths in the developing world and 17.7% of all deaths in developed countries. The statistics clearly point that the burden of tobacco related deaths is shifting from the developed countries to developing countries.
Tobacco contains more than 60 known carcinogens. The carcinogens when they enter the body damage the cells leading to cancer formation.
Why Cancer?
Tobacco contains more than 60 known carcinogens. The carcinogens when they enter the body damage the cells leading to cancer formation. The other problem with tobacco is the addiction. Tobacco releases many chemicals in the brain which over a period of time cause the person to crave for it. These two factors work synergistically damaging the person’s health. The time period over which a person can develop cancer can be highly variable. The longer and heavier the person has smoked the more the chances of him developing cancer. Stopping tobacco may reverse some but not all of the damage.
The Tobacco Lifestyle
Cigarette smoking is mostly an urban phenomenon while beedi smoking is a rural one. Smoking has led to increased incidence of tobacco related cancers like Oral, Lung and Oesophagus. A trend which is seen in recent times is a threefold increase in female smokers. This probably is related to more females being in jobs and financially independent. This in turn has led to increase in the number of females with lung cancers in India in recent times.
Chewing tobacco is a lifestyle which has passed over generations in states like UP, Bihar and Bengal. In India, tobacco consumption alone, accounts for almost one-third of the cancers. The Supreme Court banning gutka sales has been a step in the positive direction. However, this alone is unlikely to be fruitful without educating the people about the hazards of tobacco usage.
Kicking The Butt
Fewer than 5 percent of smokers are successful in quitting smoking by themselves. Smokers tend to underestimate the addiction and need to make changes to their routine to overcome it.
Sambav reminds and educates its readers that it is a misconception that wearing a patch or chewing gum is all that it takes to give up addiction. Awareness and understanding of its harmful effects is the first step. So, don’t wait for a miracle to happen, just quit it NOW !
