Hopethon in city on May 31

Mysore/Mysuru: Every year, May 31 is observed as ‘World No Tobacco Day’ by World Health Organisation (WHO) and this year, it is being observed with the theme ‘We need food, not tobacco.’

As per Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2019, 267 million Indians consume tobacco in both smokeless (Gutka etc.) and cigarette form.

Addressing a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan in city recently, Dr. Madhavi, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Bharath Hospital & Institute of Oncology (BHIO), said that tobacco contains 7,000 chemical compounds including nicotine, an addictive substance which produces Dopamine in the body and creates sense of well-being and relieve one from stress. This causes dependence and person gets addicted to tobacco.

Dr. Vinay Muttagi, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at BHIO, said that tobacco consumption increases the risk of non-communicable disease like heart attack, stroke, infertility and chances of developing cancer. In Indian scenario, most common cancer due to tobacco consumption is lung cancer followed by cancer of oral cavity and throat. This poses a financial burden individually. As per 2011 statistics, approximately Rs. 983 crore is being spent towards tobacco-induced health hazards, he added.

BHIO Director Anjali Ajaikumar said that it is alarming that tobacco consumption has increased in school and college going children. In 2019, it was found that 10 percent of boys and 4.2 percent of girls in the age of 13 to 15 years were addicted to cigarettes. These numbers are increasing every year and it will impact the overall  well-being of the community and it is important to create awareness among school children and youngsters to reduce tobacco consumption.

BHIO Chief Operating Officer Nirmala K. Murthy said that BHIO took an initiate in the month of May, in view of ‘Word No Tobacco Day’ and created awareness among youngsters by giving health talks at various schools, colleges and organisations.

“We took a step ahead and conducted a short movie competition to actively involve the public in creating this awareness and the best short movie will be showcased on the day of grand event. In continuation of this, BHIO is hosting a grand event which includes Hopethon on May 31 starting at 6 am from Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple to spread a strong message to quit tobacco today for a healthy tomorrow.

Second Hand Smoking

It is a process where normal person (non-smoker) is exposed to exhaled smoke particles from a smoker. People exposed to second hand smoke are also at increase risk of developing tobacco related health hazards including cancer.

BHIO Medical Oncologist Dr. Abhilash said, “On an average, 38.7% of Indian population are exposed to second hand smoking either at work place or at public places like restaurants.”

The poster of the Hopethon was released on the occasion.

BHIO Consultant Surgical Oncologist Dr. Raxith Sringeri was present at the press meet.