Mann Ki Baat: Ep #21: Tobacco and Smoking

Tobacco usage is a major public health problem in India. According to World Health Organization country profiles, India has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world and rates are still increasing. This disproportionate incidence of oral cancer has been related to the high proportion of tobacco chewers, a habit unique to Indians. Oral cancer accounts for one-third of the total cancer cases and 90% of the patients are tobacco chewers. This is true across a broad spectrum of people, rich and poor, male and female, old and young. The statistics are eye opening. Only 20% of the total tobacco consumed in India is in the form of cigarettes, about 40% is in the form of bidis and the remaining 40% is consumed as chewing tobacco, pan masala, snuff, gutkha, masheri and tobacco toothpaste. Shockingly, younger and younger children are being introduced into this habit. About 90% of all people who try tobacco once have a tendency to use it for extended periods of time. The habit has a high degree of social acceptability. But tobacco usage is harmful in all its forms. Every tobacco user suffers from the ill effects of tobacco usage in one or more of the following organs of the body- heart; stomach; muscular, nervous and respiratory systems. Besides, smokers put the health of their families and children at risk with their habit too. Breaking the habit of tobacco usage is a process that can be planned and implemented with 100% success. It is important that the decision to quit tobacco usage is taken by oneself; once the decision has been reached, help can be sought from various avenues, including professional. Upon quitting, the withdrawal symptoms only last from 3 to 7 days and can be easily managed with professional help. The most important factors in helping a person quit tobacco are will power and family support. Life skills education and awareness programs from a young age can prevent young children and adolescents from experimenting with tobacco.