ICMR scientist claims smoking, tobacco use main reason for cancer

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientist Dr Prabhdeep Kaur on Sunday said that high prevalence of smoking and tobacco use are the main cause of cancer in the northeastern region.

"Smoking and use of tobacco and tobacco products are the main cause of cancer in India's northeastern region, there are some other reasons for the increase of the dreaded disease in the region," said Dr Kaur.

The ICMR has launched a study in all the eight northeastern states to get a detailed picture of the causes of cancer and its rise. The study has already begun in Sikkim, Mizoram and Tripura, she said, adding that it would soon start in other states as well.

Kaur and five other experts attended at a four-day workshop here on National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (NPCDCS).

NPCDCS, which was launched recently by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, would cover 640 districts in 36 states and union territories across the country by 2017.