J’khand logs 35,000-40,000 cancer cases each yr, tobacco behind most oral cancer cases: NHM

Ranchi: Jharkhand reports around 35,000-40,000 cancer patients annually, with 40%-45% of them suffering from oral cancer primarily caused by tobacco consumption. This was stated by the director of Jharkhand chapter of the National Health Mission (NHM), Shashi Prakash Jha, during a programme on tobacco control organised on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day on Sunday.

Calling for a 'Whole of Govt’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach to curb the rising cancer cases, Jha said, “Tobacco control is not just a health department initiative but a campaign for the entire society.

Coordinated efforts involving anganwadi workers, sahiyas, ANMs, panchayati raj institutions, rural development departments, self-help groups, educational institutions, urban local bodies, and community organisations are needed to achieve a tobacco-free Jharkhand, he added.

Appealing to residents to quit tobacco and other substance abuse to live healthier and more productive lives, he said, “Addiction affects more than physical health. It weakens people mentally and financially and destabilises families.”

Naming dental professionals as frontline warriors against tobacco use, he said, “Dental care units should be developed as centres for tobacco cessation counselling and behaviour change communication. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs should be strengthened as hubs for health promotion and cessation services.”

Jha urged youngsters to adopt tobacco-free lifestyles and serve as role models, adding that schools, colleges, NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendras and youth clubs must be actively engaged.

“Tobacco awareness programmes were conducted in 1,680 schools, while 282 training sessions were organised with police, education and other departments. Besides, 2,08,701 counselling sessions were held at tobacco treatment centres (TTCs) and 43,308 individuals received pharmacotherapy support,” he added.

The health department has launched a month-long tobacco control and public awareness campaign from May 26, aligned with the theme, ‘Unmasking the appeal - countering nicotine and tobacco addiction’. “The campaign aims to raise awareness, especially among children, adolescents, and youth, and encourage people to quit tobacco addiction,” he said.