Tobacco chewing kills, just like smoking tobacco does. But for some reason, many people start chewing tobacco when they want to stop smoking!
A few days back, a patient came to me with a complaint of chronic foreign body sensation in the throat and a rough patch over the back of the tongue. I started asking questions from my medical detective questionnaire and got my first clue. He revealed he was smoking eight to ten cigarettes per day, with occasional alcohol intake.
Digging deeper, he revealed that he even tried a highly advertised brand of chewing tobacco at the suggestion of a friend. It was after this experiment that his tongue problem started!
“Hmm..” was all I could say.
Addiction to history is always crucial. Because it helps to understand the complaint better. It also helps in making the treatment personalized. The results will depend on compliance and on leaving those addictions for good.
In India, tobacco causes cases of head and neck cancer and lung cancer. The gruesome pictures on the packs of cigarettes seem to have little effect on those addicted. So this post is for those of you who still care to stay healthy.
Table of contents
Which tobacco products cause addictions and tobacco-related cancers?
Short answer all of them.They are
- Gutka,
- zarda,
- khaini,
- cigarettes,
- bidi, hookah are all dangerous and have no upsides.
They are also known as chew, snuff, spit tobacco, tobacco plug, chewing tobacco, etc.
Which components in smokeless tobacco or chewing tobacco products cause cancer?
Smokeless tobacco products have more than 30 carcinogens. They contain tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines, nitrite, nitrate, and heavy metals (nickel, cadmium, and chromium). But additives keep changing and can be more or less addictive depending on brand and region.
Are smokeless tobacco products dangerous?
Yes, since chewing tobacco and snuff both contain nicotine and other carcinogenic elements, they are dangerous, habit-forming, and maybe even more addictive than smoking. All the health risks of smoking in general plus the high risk of oral, pharyngeal, head -neck cancers, tooth decay, systemic effects are present. Nicotine addiction is real, and so are the dangers.
Addictions have a vital genetic component. It also has a significant environmental component. This means you must be aware that substance abuse will make you more susceptible to addictions if a parent is using. You can fight that by being aware and knowing the dangers. Peer pressure can lead to the other factor being responsible for addictions. That’s where you need to choose your company with care. People who use justify the use.
But since this is all something you already know, I will share some research data with you.
Important Facts about Tobacco-related cancers in India:
- One out of two youngsters who smoke and continues smoking throughout their life will end up with tobacco-related cancer.
- The risk is higher in males.
- Out of all cancer cases, almost 45% is tobacco-related in males and 20% in females.
- Among all Tobacco-related cancers, the mouth, esophagus, lung, hypopharynx are the leading sites for both males and females.
- In Northeastern India, both males and females have a higher risk of tobacco-related cancers. This has a direct correlation to tobacco abuse.
- Most chewing tobacco products have a greater risk of oral and oesophageal cancers.
- India contributes to one-third of all global cases of oral cancer. Tobacco use(both smoking and smokeless), betel-quid chewing, alcohol, poor oral hygiene, sustained viral infections(like HPV) all increase the risk of oral cancer. The chances are synergistic in some cases and not merely additive.
How to stop chewing tobacco?
You have the power to stop this. You can prevent tobacco-related cancers only by not using tobacco products. This is the best way and is primary prevention.
If you are using, you can stop now. Then you can blog about it. I am forever telling my patients to stop using tobacco. Through this blog, I am doing the same. Maybe it will make a difference, and someone will stop using it. But if you really want to see first-hand what happens to those who use and continue using, a trip to any of the Cancer hospital review clinics will give you an idea.
No number of medicines or surgery can undo the harm you do to yourself when you abuse tobacco.
If you are smart, you will save your health and your money. Your contribution to this world is essential. God gives you one life, and this is your chance to make a difference. Imagine the money you could save not using addictive substances and future health care savings?
Nicotine patches and other nicotine replacement therapies can help but should be started under medical supervision. In case you want deaddiction advice, consult a registered Psychiatrist for professional deaddiction help. Your life matters, you matter.
Bottomline: All tobacco products are dangerous.
I have already written about oral cancers give it a read.
References
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