World No Tobacco Day, commemorated on 31 May annually, serves as a poignant reminder of the detrimental effects of tobacco use and the imperative to enact measures aimed at curbing its consumption. Tobacco consumption stands as a paramount contributor to preventable illnesses and fatalities worldwide casting a long shadow of adverse health consequences ranging from cancer to fertility complications. Danger of cancer Tobacco usage represents the foremost preventable cause of cancer globally, accounting for approximately 22 per cent of cancer-related deaths.
Among its myriad devastating impacts, tobacco smoke significantly heightens the risk of lung cancer, serving as the primary culprit in approximately 85 per cent of cases. Moreover, tobacco consumption, whether through smoking or smokeless means like chewing tobacco, is a prominent risk factor for cancers affecting the oral cavity, throat, esophagus, bladder, pancreas, kidney, cervix, stomach, and acute myeloid leukemia. “Smoking is injurious to health and can adversely affect overall health and well-being.
When cigarette smoke is inhaled, it can cause severe damage to the lungs, kidneys, voice box(larynx) and mouth. Heavy smokers have a higher chance of developing cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs as these parts of the body are directly exposed to the harmful toxins in cigarette smoke. A cigarette is made of cancer-causing substances such as tar, nicotine, arsenic and benzene which eventually decrease life expectancy .
