No smoke without cancer

Smoking isn’t as ‘cool’ as you might be led to believe. Data from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) points out that the most prevalent cancers among men are tobacco related — specifically, the cancer of the lung, head and mouth.

Dr G Kilara, director, consultant radiation oncologist, MS Ramaiah Curie Centre of Oncology, Bangalore, points out, “Not only are these cancers violent and vigorous — fast-spreading, they are also difficult to treat.” Gingival or gum cancer is peculiar to India, he says. “It is common among those who chew tobacco, medically referred to as quid chewing. If not detected early, in its later stages, it spreads fast and there is a high chance of re-occurrence post treatment.”

Data reveals that in India, the prevalence of prostate or colon cancer is low, while the same have a higher prevalence in the West. Oncologists feel that the low prevalence rate could be because prostate cancer goes undetected. “The high-risk factor is age,” says Dr Ajaikumar, Chairman and oncologist, HCG, Bangalore. He explains why it could go undetected: “Unless there is a history of urinary tract infection or chronic infection, a patient may not complain and may never be tested.” He suggests that men over 50 years of age, or those who have constant inflammation or infection, can undergo a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, and “if the PSA goes up, then it is advisable to do a biopsy”.

Unlike in the West, where the diet has a high intake of smoked food and red meat, doctors feel the fibre-rich diets in Asia are helping to keep colon cancer numbers low. However, as lifestyles change, so do eating habits, and in the future, colon cancer may be a cause for concern. Stomach cancer numbers grew in Bangalore and Chennai a decade ago, followed closely by tobacco-related lung cancer that affects the mouth, hypopharynx, larynx and oesophagus. 

While it is widely known that smoking or chewing tobacco can increase cancer risk, lack of awareness often leads to delays.

“Sores or ulcers that do not heal, hoarseness of voice, a persistent cough, discomfort in swallowing or eating, are some of the symptoms that people need to be aware of,” says Dr Arun Shet, Professor of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, St John’s Medical College and hospital.

Apart from these, doctors feel there is a need for tobacco cessation centres. “Currently, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science (NIMHANS), Bangalore, runs a cessation centre. But many refuse to seek help there as they feel it is a mental hospital,” points out Dr Kilara. He strongly believes that individuals who want to quit smoking find it difficult to do so, as there are not enough centres offering around to help them with this service.