World No Tobacco Day: Why Tobacco Consumption Remains a Major Threat to Health and Development

Dr Arun Kumar Giri

Tobacco consumption continues to be one of the leading causes of preventable deaths worldwide, claiming nearly six million lives every year. According to the World Health Organization, this number could rise to eight million deaths annually by 2030 if strong preventive measures are not implemented.

Beyond the devastating impact on health, tobacco usage also affects national economies by reducing productivity and increasing healthcare costs.

World No Tobacco Day: Spreading Awareness

To raise global awareness about the dangers of tobacco, the World Health Organization observes World No Tobacco Day on May 31 every year. The initiative aims to highlight the health hazards of tobacco consumption and encourage governments and communities to adopt policies that reduce tobacco use.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “Tobacco – A Threat to Development.” Through awareness campaigns and policy advocacy, the organisation seeks to demonstrate how the tobacco industry threatens not only public health but also the economic and social development of nations.

Health Risks of Tobacco Consumption

Tobacco use has a severe impact on human health, damaging multiple organs and increasing the risk of several life-threatening diseases.

Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including over 70 known carcinogens that cause cancer. Regular tobacco consumption is strongly linked to:

• Heart attacks

• Stroke

• Lung cancer

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Respiratory disorders

The severity of health damage often depends on how long and how frequently a person has been smoking or using tobacco products.

Rising Tobacco Consumption in India

In India, tobacco use in both smoked and chewable forms continues to rise. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, tobacco-related deaths in the country could exceed 1.5 million annually.

Another concerning trend is the growing number of women consuming tobacco. As highlighted in the Tobacco Atlas, India has the third-largest population of female smokers, after the United States and China.

Out of the estimated 12.2 million female tobacco users in India, nearly half smoke while the rest consume tobacco in chewable forms.

Why More Women Are Turning to Tobacco

Experts believe that aggressive marketing by tobacco companies plays a significant role in attracting women to tobacco products. Advertising campaigns often associate smoking with women’s empowerment, glamour, and social status.

In urban areas, tobacco products are now available in a variety of flavours, aromas, and attractive packaging, making them more appealing to younger consumers.

Some women also believe that smoking helps control body weight, but health experts warn that this perception is misleading and dangerous. A balanced diet and regular exercise remain the safest ways to maintain a healthy body weight.

Health Risks of Tobacco Use for Women

For women, tobacco consumption can lead to several serious health complications, including:

• Lung cancer

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Breast cancer

• Pulmonary diseases

Tobacco use can also affect reproductive health, leading to:

• Ovulation problems

• Damage to reproductive organs

• Premature menopause

• Increased risk of miscarriage

• Premature birth

• Low birth weight babies

The Need for Strong Awareness and Policies

Health experts believe that greater awareness and stronger policy interventions are needed to reduce tobacco consumption.

Doctors, psychologists, and health professionals can help individuals quit tobacco habits through counselling and medical guidance. At the government level, effective policies and sustained awareness campaigns are essential to curb the widespread use of tobacco products.

Reducing tobacco consumption will not only improve public health but also allow governments to invest more resources in education, wellness programmes, and infrastructure development.

A Collective Responsibility

Eliminating tobacco addiction requires collective effort from individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.

By spreading awareness and supporting tobacco-free initiatives, we can create a healthier environment for present and future generations.

Dr Giri is a senior cancer surgeon and Director (Oncology Services)
at VPS Rockland Hospital in New Delhi and Manesar.