Tobacco consumption in women causes female-specific cancers, reduces fertility, ET HealthWorld

Advt

Advt

By ,

ETHealthWorld

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETHealthworld App Get Realtime updates

Save your favourite articles Scan to download App

Gurugram: Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of death worldwide, killing over eight million people in a year. Tobacco smoke alone contains as many as 70 different types of carcinogens, ie cancer-causing substances, including nicotine: the addictive component that makes quitting smoking difficult.While there is awareness among the public about the link between smoking and lung cancer, its relation with female-specific cancers is not well known. On World No-Tobacco Day, experts at Paras Health speak on the effects smoking has on women’s health and the need to address it head-on.Tobacco smoking has become so prevalent in the country that even non-smokers are frequently exposed to secondhand smoke. Unfortunately, avoiding it can be nearly impossible, as smoking is increasingly common in workplaces and social gatherings. Therefore, understanding the severe impact smoking has on both smokers and their loved ones is a good first step towards quitting.“The rising tide of tobacco use among women in India, particularly the disparity between rural and urban female populations, is of grave concern. In all its forms, tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease, and its impact on women’s health demands sustainable and comprehensive action. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals a significant difference in tobacco use prevalence between rural and urban women. In rural areas, a staggering 17.8 per cent of women reported current tobacco use, compared to 11.09 per cent in urban areas. This translates to nearly 60 per cent higher prevalence in rural settings. While smoking is more prevalent in urban areas, smokeless tobacco use is more prominent among women residing in rural areas. There are several studies which have linked smokeless tobacco use to a disproportionate burden of oral cancers among women. This also results into a concerning economic impact on household finances due to additional expenditure on buying tobacco products. It is imperative that policymakers, government agencies, public and private healthcare institutions augment their efforts in educating the younger generations with more resonated messages and mode of communications,” said Dr Santy Sajan, Group Chief Operating Officer, Paras Health.Dr Sajan emphasised, “Families are significantly impacted by cases of tobacco-related cancer , both emotionally and financially. The diagnosis of cancer in a family member often leads to a substantial emotional burden, creating stress and anxiety for the entire family. The cost of treatment can be devastating, draining household resources and potentially plunging families into debt. This economic strain is compounded by the loss of income if the patient is a breadwinner, further destabilising the family's financial situation. Parents face distinct challenges when their child consumes tobacco. The realisation that their child is engaging in a harmful habit can lead to feelings of guilt, failure, and anxiety about the long-term health consequences. Addressing tobacco use in children requires parents to navigate complex social and psychological dynamics, including peer pressure and the pervasive influence of media and advertising. The lack of accessible and youth-targeted cessation programmes often exacerbates these challenges, making it difficult for parents to find the necessary support to help their child quit tobacco use.”Speaking on the impact of smoking on women, Dr Indu Bansal Aggarwal, Group Director and Head, Radiation Oncology, Paras Health, Gurugram, said, “Tobacco smoking affects women differently. Smoking leads to increased risk of oral cancer, laryngeal cancer, mouth and pharynx, food pipe cancer, lung cancer, premenopausal breast cancer, kidney, bladder, urinary tract, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, and lymphomas. It increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in pre-menopausal women. Smoking also reduces their fertility, making it difficult to conceive. Besides this, nicotine exposure in pregnant women can negatively affect foetal health, as nicotine is detrimental to brain development. All in all, there is no single reason why one should continue smoking. Seeking help and taking that first step today is important.”“Half of the cases we receive involve female-specific cancers, and nearly most of these patients are active smokers. We also observe that smoking prevalence among women is consistent across both rural and urban areas. In addition to hereditary factors, cigarette smoking remains a significant risk factor in many cases," added Dr Aggarwal.Low birth weight (LBW) is a well-known cause of infant deaths, and women who smoke during pregnancy face increased risks of complications, including premature birth, LBW infants, stillbirth, and infant mortality. Therefore, it is crucial for women who are planning to conceive, to quit smoking as early as possible.Quitting smoking is often challenging. Here, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be a valuable aid, providing a controlled dose of nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms. Consulting a doctor to determine the most suitable NRT form and dosage is important. Additionally, counselling can help develop coping mechanisms for dealing with triggers and cravings.Through its initiatives, educational programmes, and support services, Paras Health aims to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and provide assistance to those looking to quit, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of the community.