Some of the common ways people consumed tobacco in India include:

• Smoking cigarettes
• Smoking cigars / chutta
• Smoking Beedi
• Smoked in loose form in hookahs
• Reverse chutta smoking (in coastal Andhra Pradesh)
• Chillum
• Khaini
• Gutkha
• Betel quid with tobacco

Negative effects of Tobacco:

Smoking or any form of tobacco consumption affects all major organs, the respiratory system, the circulatory system, the reproductive system, the pulmonary system, and sensory organs, increasing the risk of many different cancers. The diseases and disabilities caused by the negative effects of tobacco include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, complications in pregnancy, and fertility issues.

Thanks to the numerous public campaigns undertaken over the years, there is some awareness of Tobacco usage being the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. The most common locations in the human body where Head & Neck cancer arises are the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx.

HEAD & NECK CANCERS

More than 80% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use in some form or the other, and the amount of tobacco use may affect the prognosis, i.e the chance of recovery as well.

While Head & Neck cancer is a common form of cancer everywhere, it is the most prevalent cancer in India constituting almost one-third of all incidences of cancer in the country which illustrates the importance & benefits of reducing and in due course of time, eliminating tobacco usage completely.

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ASSOCIATED RISKS

Risk for Head & Neck Cancer in smokers is approximately 10 times higher than that of never-smokers and 70–80% of new Head & Neck Cancer.

Moreover, most Head & Neck cancer cases are diagnosed in the advanced stages and the disfigurement caused by the treatment further affects the quality of life apart from imposing the financial burden on self and family. In addition to other health risks as men, women also experience increased risk of infertility, pregnancy complications, premature births, low birth weight infants, and stillbirths.

Read More: Essential Tips for Optimal ENT Health You Must Embrace

MYTHS ABOUT QUITTING SMOKING

There are a lot of preconceived notions and misunderstandings that people have about smoking.

Here are 4 myths about quitting smoking

Myth 1: There is no benefit in quitting smoking now since I already have cancer.

Fact: It is never too late to quit smoking. People who quit smoking after a cancer diagnosis have a better chance at the management of cancer, thereby resulting in a better prognosis, faster and easier recovery, and also low chances of recurrence.

Myth 2: Quitting smoking is too stressful for people receiving cancer treatment.

Fact: Nicotine addiction is hard to break. And you may find the withdrawal process uncomfortable. But the benefits of quitting smoking outweigh the challenges.

Myth 3: People can quit by themselves. They do not need help from a healthcare professional.

Fact: Many people can and do quit by themselves, but you may increase your chances of quitting successfully with the help of your healthcare team. They can offer support, information, and medication to help you quit for good.

Myth 4: Most medications used to quit smoking are not successful.

Fact: Many studies show that several medications can lower nicotine withdrawal symptoms and increase your chances of overcoming nicotine addiction. Your healthcare team can recommend the right medicine for you.

OTHER HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TOBACCO USE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) which typically includes the below-mentioned conditions are the single biggest cause of death in India today as well as in many countries across the world.

• Coronary heart disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysms
• Peripheral artery disease

QUIT SMOKING

Tobacco has found its way across the very fabric of our nation, cutting across different socio-economic groups & demographics. For many of us, it has become a natural way of life, like breathing, sleeping & eating.

If you love your family….Quit smoking…