Study linked the increase in cancer cases in India to tobacco consumption.
Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer seen among men in India, according to a recent study. The study reported that lung (10.6 percent) was the leading site of cancer among men followed by mouth (8.4 percent), prostate (6.1 percent), tongue (5.9 percent), and stomach (4.8 percent).
Dr. Ganesha, an oncologist at St. John’s Hospital, Bangalore said, “There are different types of cancers and the latest studies say that lung cancer is the most common cancer among men, and that its major cause is the use of tobacco.”
According to the Kidwai Institute of Oncology, more than 13.9 lakh new cancer cases are registered every year in India. Tobacco-related cancers account for 48.7 percent of cases in males and 16.5 percent in females.
Vishnu Madhavan, who used to be a chain smoker said that he was smoking around 15 cigarettes a day which resulted in some respiratory issues. “Though I was fortunately not diagnosed with cancer, the doctor said that if I continued smoking, I could soon develop lung cancer,” he said.
Dr. Ganesha added, “Even if someone uses tobacco at one point in time, it can still have lasting negative effects on their health later in life.”
Dr. Hari Menon, a professor of medical oncology at St. John’s Hospital, Bangalore said, “Lung cancer can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition. However, tobacco use is the primary cause for most individuals with lung cancer.” For many people, the harmful effects of smoking may not be immediately evident. However, as they reach their 50s, they tend to develop a bunch of diseases, including lung cancer, after prolonged tobacco use, he said. “Even if someone decides to quit smoking at some point, it’s important to note that every single cigarette they smoked will continue to have a harmful effect on their body,” he added.
