Pune: Cancer rates among Pune’s youth are rising rapidly, with many young people developing cancer within ten to fifteen years of starting tobacco use. This alarming trend is most noticeable in the 35 to 50 age group, as reported by cancer experts.
Popular hangouts near colleges, such as paan shops and tea stalls, are hotspots for tobacco consumption among young people. Prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke, often combined with tea, is having severe long-term health impacts. Experts warn that such addictions significantly increase the risk of cancer at an early age.
Tobacco products contain 40 toxic substances, all of which contribute to increased cancer risk. Tobacco use can lead to various cancers, including those of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, stomach, and cervix. Dr. Vikas Kothawade highlights that 40% of cancer cases in India are directly linked to tobacco use.
Though cancer has traditionally been associated with older adults, addiction is now making it common among younger populations. Alarmingly, even schoolchildren are increasingly engaging in tobacco use, smoking, and alcohol consumption, with dire consequences for their health, according to Dr. Bhushan Bhalgat.
Oral Cancer Causes:
Tobacco and Gutkha Consumption: The primary cause of oral cancer, affecting cells adversely.
Smoking: Increases the risk through harmful cellular changes.
Alcohol: Excessive consumption is a significant risk factor.
Poor Diet and Lifestyle: Low intake of fruits and vegetables and high intake of junk food.
The 35 to 50 age group sees a higher diagnosis rate because many start using tobacco around 19 to 20 years of age. The genetic alterations caused by tobacco take several years to manifest as cancer, explained Dr. Pratik Patil.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer:
White or red patches in the mouth or on the tongue
Sores or lumps in the mouth
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Pain or swelling in the mouth
Rapid weight loss
Treatment for Oral Cancer:
Surgery: Removal of cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy: Stopping cancer cell growth.
Radiation Therapy: Destroying cancer cells with radiation.
Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.
Preventive Measures:
Completely stop using tobacco and gutkha.
Quit smoking.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
Maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Undergo regular health check-ups.
