In Bihar 90% of oral cancer cases caused due to khaini consumption

Patna/New Delhi: According to the World Health Organisation, there are approximately 120 million smokers in India, and India is the home of 12 per cent of the world’s smokers. More than 10 million die each year due to tobacco in India.

Even though all tobacco products, including paan masala and flavoured tobaccos, are banned in Bihar, their consumption is prevalent across the state despite the fact that tobacco kills half of its users said Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor.

Speaking to NewsOnRadar.com, after addressing a seminar organised by the Patna based Bihar University of Health Sciences on the occasion of World No-Tobacco Day (May 31), noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit said that the dangers of tobacco are well advertised and known, yet smokers and tobacco chewers continue to risk their lives and endanger those around them. Each year, eight million people die from tobacco use, dying at the rate of over 900 people each hour.

Principal Investigator for the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme Dr Purohit averred that as per the data of Socio Economic and Educational Society (SEEDS), 2021, prevalence of tobacco consumption in Bihar was at 25.9%, a little less than the national average which was 28.6%. Of the total tobacco consumption in the state, 23.5% of the users had smokeless form of tobacco. Even in this category, 20.4% consumed ‘khaini’ and in the category of smoked tobacco products, 4.2% smoked bidis in the state.

“The biggest risks of tobacco use include over 20 types of cancer, increased risks of heart ailments, harm to every single organ and function, and premature aging, impotence and early death.” he added.

“When one smokes, he or she is not only at the risk of lung cancer but even the cancer of the oesophagus, stomach oral cavity and many more.”, he warned

Renowned medic stated that a significant number of people getting diagnosed with oral cancer have a record of smoking a pack of cigarettes or consuming chewable form of tobacco.

” Smoking a cigarette is like taking around 30 carcinogens per cigarette. It is a very wrong belief when people think that they can smoke just one cigarette or two in a day and still can get away”, he said

“One need to consult the doctor immediately when an individual notices non-healing ulcers of mouth or throat, loosening of teeth, lump in the mouth or jaw, numbness in the chin or lip area, swelling, red or white patches in the mouth, sore throat, jaw pain, swallowing problems, ear pain, mouth pain, lump inside the mouth, and a lip or a mouth sore,” he averred.

“Delaying treatment can worsen one’s condition,” he added.

Experts in the seminar pointed that spotting any cancer at an early stage saves lives.
With the recent developments in health technology and medical research, a cure is very much possible if diagnosed early and treated appropriately.

They revealed that smoking harms the vital organs of the body including the heart, digestive system and lungs and is also responsible for type 2 diabetes and ophthalmic diseases.

” Replacement therapy such as nicotine gums, patches, black coffee, avoiding a smokers company, physical exercises when one has a high urge to smoke, yoga, and a healthy diet are key factors that can help people to stay away from smoking. Take charge of your health, quit smoking, and add more years to your life.”, experts emphasized.

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*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Health Programmes including National Communicable Disease Control Programme of Govt. of India and several state organizations.)

Dr. Purohit is also Principal Investigator for National Integrated Disease Surveillances Programme.