Cancer has been a serious health risk globally, causing millions of deaths every year. A recent study published in The Lancet Journal has raised serious concerns about its increasing danger. According to the report, more than 13 lakh people lose their lives every year due to cancer caused by tobacco in seven countries including India. These figures are from seven countries - India, China, Britain, Brazil, Russia, USA, and South Africa, where more than half of the cancer deaths are being reported every year.
Researchers say, smoking has been linked to many serious health problems, cancer being one of them. India also has a high incidence of smoking, which can be a risk factor for many types of cancer and death.
Four risk factors responsible for 20 lakh deaths every year
The researchers noted that smoking, along with three other risk factors – alcohol, obesity, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – combined lead to approximately two million (20 lakh) deaths.
The study, conducted by researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), and King's College London, seeks to understand cancer prevention and its risk factors.
Risk of premature death due to smoking
In India, more premature deaths are due to head-neck cancer in men and gynecological cancer in women. In other countries, tobacco smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer, which is one of the leading factors of premature death. Mortality rates due to smoking and drinking have been seen to be higher in men, as men have higher rates of smoking and drinking.
The study shows that in China, India, and Russia, the life years lost in men due to tobacco smoking and alcohol were nine times greater than in women.
What do the researchers say?
"These risk factors and the risk of death from cancer are increasing in countries around the world," says Professor Judith Offman of Queen Mary University. Globally, one person dies from cervical cancer every two minutes. Of these, about 90 deaths are reported in low- and middle-income countries. The risk could be significantly reduced if screening and HPV vaccination programs were accelerated.
It is important to stay away from smoking
Researchers say, if tobacco smoking is stopped then the lives of millions of people can be saved every year. This habit is a serious health risk globally. Similarly, cervical cancer can also be prevented by increasing HPV vaccination. To reduce the risk of cancer, all people need to be alert about personal protective measures. By quitting smoking you can reduce your risk of premature death.
(PC: Freepik)
