There is a shocking connection found between smokeless tobacco products and oral cancer in India. A study has recently appeared in the Journal of Cancer Policy that claims that more than 50% of oral cancer cases in the country are caused by SLT products. SLT products are available in different flavored and non-flavored variants.
This is an alarming statistic that puts forward the necessity for tough regulations on SLT products. The study presents the idea that these attempts of tobacco control in India are not enough to solve the challenge of flavored smokeless tobacco products. The apparent reason behind using the products is the non-threatening flavors offered by them.
SMOKING: This is one of the major public health concerns in India and contributes for nearly a quarter of all cases worldwide. Smokeless tobacco is the most fatal as it is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, a fallacy many have, which results in its widespread use. The fact of the matter is, the situation is much worse because the employment of SLT involves oral cancer in addition to gum diseases and tooth decays, aside from many more dreadful diseases of health.
As opined by health experts, prevalence of oral cancer must be tackled more effectively from a holistic perspective. Banning of flavored SLT products and awareness campaigns for the same will extensively reduce the prevalence of oral cancer in the country.
The study has revealed different findings that call for much more vigorous action in response to uncontrollable tobacco use. Public health officials are requesting people to avoid all types of tobacco, and in order to make more people aware, especially the ones in the communities who smokeless tobacco users,.
With the persistence of the dual challenge of tobacco control and cancer rising in the country, more targeted measures should be taken. Flavored smokeless tobacco silently contributes to a major health crisis when it is considered to be the ‘lesser evil’.
Tobacco addiction does not have to be a lifelong sentence. Resources and support to quit tobacco addiction are available. It is never too late to make a change for a healthier smoke-free future.
