Tobacco is the Leading Cause of 69 Types of Cancer; Passive Smoking Poses a Major Threat to Families: Health Experts
Seminar Held at GGSMCH Faridkot on ‘World No Tobacco Day’; Call Issued to Build a Healthy Society…
Faridkot, May 31 (Alexander D’Souza):
A special awareness seminar was organized by the Department of Radiation Oncology at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital (GGSMCH), Faridkot, on the occasion of ‘World No Tobacco Day’. The primary objective of this seminar was to raise public awareness regarding the life-threatening health effects of tobacco consumption and to motivate individuals to quit this deadly addiction.
The event was successfully concluded under the able guidance of the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Professor Dr. Rajiv Sood, along with the Principal and Medical Superintendent (MS) of the Medical College.
A Double Blow to Health and the Economy
During the seminar, health experts and faculty members expressed deep concern, stating that tobacco is the leading cause of preventable cancers and serious lifestyle-related diseases worldwide. According to the experts, tobacco consumption carries the risk of causing approximately 69 different types of cancer.
Passive Smoking: Jeopardizing the Lives of Loved Ones
Experts warned that the harmful effects of tobacco are not limited solely to the individual who consumes it. Innocent children, women, and the elderly—family members exposed to its smoke (via passive smoking or second-hand smoke)—are placed at an equally grave risk. Furthermore, tobacco addiction imposes a heavy financial burden on families. Prolonged medical treatments, frequent hospital visits, and the associated mental stress collectively impact the entire society. Tobacco Weaves a Web of Serious Diseases
Doctors explained in detail that tobacco consumption can lead to cancers of the head, neck, lungs, mouth, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, liver, and blood. In women, it significantly increases the risk of breast and cervical cancers.
Beyond cancer, tobacco is also a primary cause of the following diseases:
Heart Disease: Increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Lung Disease: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Other Issues: Hypertension (high blood pressure), infertility, and reduced immunity.
Pledge Taken for a Healthy Lifestyle
Students, healthcare workers, patients, and their families participated enthusiastically in this interactive seminar. On behalf of the Department of Radiation Oncology, attendees were provided with extremely simple and practical tips for quitting tobacco addiction and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Making an emotional appeal to the general public, the Department urged everyone to come together and resolve to build a tobacco-free and cancer-free society. Always remember: “Every cigarette extinguished today can light up many tomorrows.”
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