Tobacco chewing drives cancer surge in North Karnataka

Hubballi: North Karnataka has witnessed a significant rise in cancer cases, with doctors identifying chewing tobacco as a major factor behind the growing incidence of mouth and oesophageal cancers. Health experts said labourers and young people are among the most affected groups, as tobacco consumption continues despite repeated warnings about its health risks.

Doctors noted that hospitals receive around 1,500 patient footfalls daily, with nearly 70 to 100 cancer patients undergoing treatment. Ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, medical professionals stressed the urgent need for greater awareness about the dangers of chewing tobacco and the importance of early screening. They said the persistent rise in cases highlights the challenge of changing habits and educating communities about cancer prevention across the region.

Dr Shashidhar K, head of the department of surgical oncology, KMC-RI, Hubballi, told TOI that data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) indicates that nearly 28.6% of all adults in the country use tobacco in some form. The National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR) reported 2,500 deaths from tobacco-related diseases in the country, accounting for one in five deaths among men and one in 20 among women, with lung and oral cancers being the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, he added.

Karnataka Medical College-Research Institute (KMC-RI), the only govt tertiary care hospital in North Karnataka, provides comprehensive cancer care, with hundreds of patients seeking treatment for tobacco-related cancers. The hospital has hi-tech radiation therapy facilities. Patients from across the region are admitted here, and cases of oral and oesophageal cancers are high. We have been taking part in several events and awareness programmes to discourage tobacco use. Youth and labourers in construction, painting and mechanical work are among the most affected, he added.

We treat over 400 patients with tobacco-related head, neck and upper aerodigestive tract malignancies annually. These cancers require comprehensive care from oncologists, pulmonary specialists, psychiatrists and physiotherapists, while de-addiction plays a key role in preventing relapse. Tobacco is dangerous and quitting is essential for good health, he said.

Dr Parashuram, district surveillance officer at DHO’s office, said: “We plan to observe World No Tobacco Day at KMC-RI, Hubballi. Under the theme ‘Unmasking the appeal of tobacco: Protecting future generations’, awareness will be created. We have distributed 18,000 nicotine tablets. More frequent users will get 4mg doses, and fewer users 2mg. We have organised counselling programmes, and many have quit chewing tobacco. In 2024, 26 villages in the district were declared tobacco-free, he added.”