Chennai: World Anti-Tobacco Day may come only once a year. However, the state doesn’t limit itself to the occasion to create awareness against tobacco consumption. Doctors and counsellors continue to strive hard in their attempt to ensure that the public finds better alternatives.
“Awareness about cancer due to tobacco should not be restricted to just one day. Despite the city seeing a rise in the amount of awareness being created, rural areas tend to go uncovered,” said Dr Prem Kumar, oncologist, Stanley Government Hospital.
Over the years, the state has been seeing a rise in the number of lung, oral cavity, cheek and tongue cancers. “Not only smokers, but passive smokers are also at a risk. As a result, spouses, friends and relatives of smokers tend to get cancer,” he added.
“Tobacco is an epidemic — the biggest health problem. Its consumption kills approximately 6 million people globally each year, of which, 5 million are smokers and 1 million passive smokers,” said Dr Raju Titus Chacko, professor and head, medical oncology, Christian Medical College, Vellore.
According to recent reports, lung cancer is predominantly reported in males in Chennai. “Among the 40 to 50 lung cancer patients I see each month, 25 have cancer due to smoking,” said Dr Kumar.
The state tends to conduct camps providing master health check-ups to diagnose cancer early so as to encourage patients to visit the doctors at an early stage. “Warnings on cigarette packets don’t help. However, statutory warnings in cinema halls do. Famous personalities talking against smoking might prompt people, who idolize them, to quit,” added Dr Kumar.
Joining the fight against tobacco consumption, counsellors speak about the importance of quitting. “We ask the smokers to eat dry grapes or drink water when the feel the urge to smoke,” said B. Elayaraja of 104 Helpline. “We get around five to eight calls a day by males in the age group 18 to 60.”
