Smoking affects 80.86 percent of cancer patients in NE 

EP NEWS SERVICE 

Guwahati, July 14: 80.86 percent of the total cancer patients of North East region is affected by smoking problem, reveals Dr Bhaben Choudhury, Chief Consultant of Tobacco Cessation Clinic, Sanjivani Hospital, Guwahati. 

Dr Choudhury while addressing the media today at the inauguration of the Tobacco Cessation Clinic talked upon the health hazards caused by smoking. "We understand the danger of smoking for many years and know that it increases risk not only of lung cancer but also of breast, colon, head and neck cancers. We have long suspected that exposure to passive smoking is as dangerous heath risk as active smoking," he said.  

Informing about the affects of cigarette smoking Dr Choudhury said that as compared to the cigarettes manufactured in America, Indian cigarettes have much higher level of nicotine, a chemical hazardous to health. He revealed that one out of five men would die due to smoking, while overall smoking will cause one million deaths by 2010 in India. Welcoming the provisions made by government to ban smoking at the public areas he urged to implement the provisions properly by Assam government. Moreover he stressed upon the importance of public co-operation in the task of banning smoking.  

Criticizing the lack of awareness about guthka, another hazardous product of tobacco Dr Choudhury said that the people do not know about the harmfulness of the product.  Even some of the parents allow their children to consume guthka as they do not know that it is a tobacco product, he added. 

While pointing out the importance of proper motivation and effective medication for the people, who want to quit smoking or Tobacco Dr Choudhury informed that at the new Tobacco Cessation Center necessary consultation will be provided for these persons. The clinic, which has been opened in association with Cipla Lucenta, will also offer nicotine replacement therapy to the needy persons