Stub it out for good this World No Tobacco Day says Ruby Hall Clinic
Hospital conducts oral screening drive at Central Railway – Construction Division Office to spread mass awareness
Pune, 27th May 2017: It is estimated that 1 million people die every year in India from smoking-related illnesses. This is quite a sobering thought and while seven out of 10 smokers want to cut their smoking habit, some find the mere thought of quitting just too difficult to comprehend. Four out of 10 smokers do attempt to stop, but only a small minority will be successful the first time around. World No Tobacco Day is on Wednesday, May 31st and
aims to remind people all over the globe of the danger of smoking and of the support which is available for those who want to quit. In a unique awareness drive, Grant Medical Foundation’s Kamalnayan Bajaj Cancer Centre conducted an oral screening drive at the Central Railway – Construction Division office in Pune as well as internally for their employees.
Every year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day is observed which is an initiative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1987. The day is intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe. The theme for this year is “Tobacco – a threat to development” on the basis of which these activities were conducted at the hospital. A number of celebrated medical practitioners and media personnel
spoke about the financial burden of this habit as well as tobacco addiction and cessation.
Dr. Bhooshan Zade, Consultant Radiology Oncologist, Ruby Hall Clinic said, “Unlike alcoholism, tobacco use is still socially acceptable despite its health hazards. In fact, people may be unaware that of all the cancers, 30-40% diseases are caused only due to tobacco use in some form or other. Three-fourths of all tobacco-related cancers are head and neck cancers which include cancers of oral cavity, tongue, oesophagus, while about one-fourth are
lung cancers. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; and using snuff are the single largest risk factors for head and neck cancer.”
Not just in India, but worldwide smoking is often associated with and reinforced by routine activities, people and situations. Having a cigarette is also a coping mechanism for some people who reach for the tobacco when they feel stressed or emotional – or the habit may simply be something which helps to alleviate boredom or loneliness. Depending on where one lives, smoking or tobacco /chewing gutkha can also be a cultural and social norm. In fact,
low and middle-income countries have limited healthcare resources available which makes screenings such as these all the more important.
Explained Dr. Ashok Bhanage, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Chairman, Kamalnayan Bajaj Cancer Centre, Ruby Hall Clinic, “People who quit smoking cut their risk of lung cancer by 30% to 50% after 10 years compared to people who keep smoking, and they cut their risk of cancer of the mouth or oesophagus in half within 5 years after quitting. As a hospital championing this cause, we have to create awareness of the fact that tobacco is one of the primary causes of cancer and heart attacks. People from various strata of society are getting addicted to tobacco in various forms which has an adverse effect on their health. The chemical constituents in cigarettes have a detrimental effect on everything: from the body’s immunity to the functioning of the organs, which is why we conducted this screening camp. After all, prevention is always better than cure!”
On this occasion, Mr. Bomi Bhote, CEO, Ruby Hall Clinic commented, “As a medical organisation, we have and will always champion the cause of tobacco cessation. Too many lives have been lost to this vice and it is now time for each and every one of us to step up. Everybody knows that tobacco in all forms kills. On World No Tobacco Day, we encourage everyone to be mindful of their health and lifestyle including that of their loved ones and friends. Stop now, get screened. It may save your life!”
