Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, May 31: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday sought a complete ban on tobacco products to prevent cancer cases in Kashmir. On world 'No Tobacco Day', DAK demanded a complete ban on tobacco products to save people from cancer, said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
Dr Hassan said Jammu and Kashmir (JK) has witnessed 39,041 cases of cancer in the last 3 years with lung cancer being most prevalent due to high rates of smoking.
International researches have shown that smoking is linked to about 90 per cent of lung cancer cases, DAK statement read.
After lung cancer, foodpipe, stomach and colon are the other types of cancer that have been found to have high prevalence and smoking is a big factor.
"Not only does smoking cause cancer, but it also increases the risk of dying from heart attack and stroke, the two leading causes of death and disability in the valley," he said.
"Smoking is a gateway for drug abuse which has reached unprecedented levels in Kashmir," he added.
The DAK President said JK is emerging as the 'smoking capital of North India' as JK's cigarette consumption is almost double the nationwide prevalence.
According to the Global Tobacco Survey (2016-17), 20.8 per cent of JK people smoke, against the national average of 10.7 percent.
"A reason for increased rates of smoking is the alarming levels of stress among people in Kashmir," said Dr Nisar. |
