Odisha Records 3,157 Oral Cancer Deaths in a Decade, Tobacco Use Cited as Key Factor
In a stark revelation, Odisha has reported a total of 3,157 deaths due to oral cancer over the last ten years, as disclosed by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling in the state assembly on Monday. This figure highlights oral cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in the state, surpassing other types such as breast, cervical, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Annual Cancer Burden and Tobacco Link
Odisha faces a significant public health challenge, with approximately 60,000 new cancer cases diagnosed each year. Minister Mahaling emphasized that the widespread consumption of 'gutkha' and other tobacco products is a major contributor to the high incidence of oral cancer. He detailed the state's efforts to curb tobacco use, referencing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Control Act of 2003, which prohibits public smoking and the sale of tobacco to minors under 18 years old, as well as within 100 yards of educational institutions.
Government Actions and Enforcement
To further combat this issue, the Odisha government issued a directive on January 21 to ban smokeless tobacco products. Over the past decade, enforcement measures have resulted in fines totaling Rs 8.34 crore collected from 62,542 violators. The government cited severe public health risks associated with smokeless tobacco, often mixed with edible items like pan masala, betel leaf, areca nut, and slaked lime.
Alarming Tobacco Use Statistics
According to the second round of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, more than 42% of Odisha's adult population uses smokeless tobacco, a rate nearly double the national average. This high prevalence underscores the urgency of addressing tobacco-related health hazards. A report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, under the World Health Organization, classifies chewing tobacco products such as 'zarda', 'khaini', and 'gutkha' as carcinogenic.
Key health impacts include:
- Dependence and addiction
- Severe oral health impairment
- Increased risk of cancers affecting the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, throat (pharynx and larynx), and kidney
The state's ongoing battle against tobacco use remains critical in reducing cancer mortality and improving overall public health outcomes.
