More News : The consumption of tobacco products such as cigarettes, gutkha, paan masala, and other smokeless forms is not only addictive but also a major cause of several life-threatening illnesses, including various forms of cancer. Recent health surveys have raised serious concerns over the rising use of tobacco among youth, which has led to a significant increase in the risk of oral, throat, lung, and esophageal cancers.
According to medical experts, nicotine, a primary component of tobacco, impacts the brain’s reward system, making the substance highly addictive. Once hooked, quitting becomes extremely difficult. Youths, particularly between 18 to 30 years of age, are increasingly falling prey to this addiction.
In addition to cancer, tobacco use contributes to heart disease, stroke, respiratory illnesses, and a weakened immune system. Studies reveal that oral and throat cancers are most commonly found in individuals who consume smokeless tobacco products like gutkha and paan masala. The chemicals in these substances damage the cells of the gums and tongue, significantly raising the cancer risk.
Meanwhile, smokers face a dramatically higher risk of lung cancer compared to non-smokers. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to issue strong warnings, stating that tobacco kills millions of people globally every year. In India alone, approximately 1.3 million deaths annually are linked to tobacco use.
Despite these alarming statistics, aggressive marketing by tobacco companies and peer pressure continue to draw youth towards these harmful habits. Experts emphasize the urgent need for awareness campaigns, health education in schools and colleges, and stricter legal regulations to combat the tobacco epidemic. Families and friends also play a crucial role in keeping the younger generation away from this silent killer.
Tobacco’s damage is often slow and irreversible, earning it the reputation of being a “silent killer”.
