BENGALURU: The Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology sees over 2,840 tobacco-related cancer cases every year. "Every day, we witness some 10-15 cancer cases which are tobacco related. Shockingly, 31% of all cancer cases registered at Kidwai are linked to tobacco and the proportion is high among males," said Dr C. Ramesh, Professor and HoD, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kidwai. Of around 18,000 cases registered, 9,000 are confirmed malignant, he said.
Also, a recent Abnormality Report put together by Indus Health Plus, from January 2015 to April 2016, revealed that 25-30% of the people in the city under the age group of 35-40 are under the risk of oral cancer. The sample size for the study was 13,850 people.
These increasing numbers require immediate attention. "The laws are in place, but what we need is enforcement. Tobacco-related cancers are all manageable at primary stages and can be prevented without a huge cost burden on the patient. We need an integrated approach which should involve the public and law enforcement as well,” advised Dr Ramesh.
Amol Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plus said, "Overall, 80% of COPD cases are due to tobacco smoking. 12% of males in the age group of 30-35 are more prone to COPD as compared to females in Bengaluru. Consumption of tobacco is an emerging social and public health problem and there is a need to sensitise masses towards ill-effects of tobacco. We strongly believe that public awareness campaigns will make people conscious and create a positive impact in quitting tobacco."
“One of the best ways to stop smoking can be your commitment towards it. One fine morning, you cannot just stop smoking. The number of cigarettes you smoke a day should be decreased gradually. Quitting the “cold turkey” is not the best option always – which is basically known as the approach where people just stop smoking all at once. It is not one of the best options, though some people can do the ‘cold turkey’ way and have gained positive results," advised by Dr Vivek Anand Padegal, Consultant Pulmonologist, Fortis Hospital.
