An extensive study done by AIIMS-Jodhpur on the health and economic burdens due to bidi smoking in Chhattisgarh and other states of India has estimated 11,011 deaths and over 5.5 lakh in the year 2023 in India. Hyderabad alone has reported over 13,000 new cancer in MNJ Cancer Hospital.
The study also covered states like Uttar Pradesh, which reports over one lakh deaths per annum making it the maximum figure from one state. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu followed suit with over 50,000 and 42,000 respectively dying due to oral cancer.
The primary cause of death due to oral cancer reported in the study is bidi (tobacco wrapped in leaves) smoking. The total number of deaths attributed to bidi smoking leading to oral cancer and other life-threatening diseases in India is reported to be over 5.55 lakhs with 7.7 per cent of the country’s population being tobacco users.
Smoking kills youth
There are several studies to suggest the harmful effects of cigarette or bidi smoking and other types of tobacco consumption. However, there are very few studies that analyse the effects of a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and other reasons that contribute to oral cancer as well as head, and neck cancer, as per observations made by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to WHO, cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with approximately 70 per cent mostly affecting young people, especially men aged between 25-49. The increase is attributed to several reasons – cigarettes, bidi, and smokeless tobacco like gutka, khaini, and pan masala.
"Gutka with tobacco, pan masala, nicotine and other toxic substances in khaini have a severe impact on health. Some people keep chewing gutka while sleeping, which forms a sore after a few days and transforms into cancer in that part," says Dr Srinivas Mutta, Director, of MNJ Hospital. He also informs that tobacco-related substances are also a major cause of breast cancer in women.
Regular medical check-ups are necessary
Dr Mutta highlights, that apart from tobacco, changing lifestyle, food habits, late marriage and obesity can also lead to oral, head, neck, and lung cancers. In the last four years, about 5,000 cases of cervical cancer have been reported in MNJ.
"If every woman above 30-35 years of age gets a mammogram and pap smear test done once a year, breast cancer and cervical cancer can be prevented," informs the doctor.
Lifestyle changes for better health
Additionally, Dr Mutta suggests prevention to prevent cancer. He said diet plays an important role in preventing cancer cell formation in the body. Consumption of excessive salt, fried and junk food can also cause significant changes in the body leading to severe medical issues.
The doctor recommends replacing red meat with chicken, fish, and eggs for a balanced source of protein in the body. Regular exercise can prevent a lot of health issues including cancer.
"If you have loss of appetite, weight loss, cough for more than three weeks, difficulty in swallowing, blood in stool, urine, lumps on any parts of the body then consult a doctor immediately," suggests Dr Mutta.
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