Cancer poses an escalating health threat worldwide and within our nation, impacting individuals across diverse socio-economic and geographical backgrounds. In India, the cancer burden is on a concerning rise, with an estimated 14,61,427 new cases projected for 2022 alone. Shockingly, approximately one in nine individuals in India is anticipated to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive awareness and action against this pervasive disease. Among the myriad factors fueling this surge in cancer cases, tobacco emerges as a prominent and preventable catalyst, intricately linked to numerous cancer types.
Tobacco stands as the foremost cause of preventable illness and mortality globally. Recognized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 1 carcinogens, both cigarette smoke and smokeless tobacco directly contribute to cancer development in humans. The intricate blend of harmful components in tobacco, including nicotine and carcinogens, not only fosters addiction but also induces cellular mutations, paving the way for cancer.
Lung cancer notably claims the top spot among Indian males, closely correlated with the upsurge in smoking prevalence. The disparity in lung cancer risk between smokers and non-smokers is striking. However, the peril extends beyond active smokers; exposure to secondhand smoke significantly elevates lung cancer risk, by approximately 20 per cent among non-smokers. Furthermore, residual tobacco smoke, termed “thirdhand smoke,” poses potential hazards, especially to children, lingering on surfaces long after the smoke dissipates.
Beyond lung cancer, tobacco usage substantially heightens the likelihood of cancers in the throat, mouth, and various other organs. Oral cancer, ranking second in prevalence among males, is predominantly associated with smokeless tobacco products like gutka and paan masala, accounting for 90% of oral cancer cases. The risk of cancer development correlates with the intensity and duration of tobacco consumption.
Fortunately, tobacco-related cancers are preventable, with profound benefits associated with smoking cessation. Extensive research demonstrates that individuals who quit smoking significantly reduce their susceptibility to various cancers. Quitting smoking at any age yields substantial health advantages, enhancing quality of life, curbing premature mortality risk, and potentially extending life expectancy by up to a decade. Notably, lung cancer risk declines with smoking cessation, with continued abstinence further diminishing the risk over time.
To bolster smoking cessation endeavors, a range of therapies has been developed for tobacco-dependent individuals, encompassing behavioural interventions and FDA-approved pharmacotherapies like nicotine replacement therapy. Evidence underscores the efficacy of combining behavioural support with cessation medications for successful smoking cessation.
In summary, the intricate relationship between tobacco and cancer necessitates a multifaceted approach to effective mitigation, underscoring the urgency of targeted interventions.
