No Tobacco Day: Expert Calls For Media To Spread Awareness, Empower Youth

News Desk

Islamabad: The government should continue to strive to raise awareness and promote a smoke-free society by providing a counter-marketing campaign, raising awareness against nicotine use, and empowering young people to engage in the fight against tobacco, said Dermatologist Lt. Col. (R) Dr Ishrat Abuzar.

Like other parts of the world, Pakistan is also marking World No Tobacco Day, in which awareness is created among the masses about the dangers and adverse effects of tobacco on our health.

Dr IshratAbuzar emphasised that ‘World No-Tobacco Day’ is observed every year on May 31 in order to promote effective tobacco control policies and increase public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use.

The ‘No Tobacco Day’ health expert urged social media website owners to educate young people about the dangers of tobacco use, which kills millions of people annually despite a gradual decline in cigarette usage worldwide.

She recommended smokers either stop smoking or get ready for a higher risk of smoking-related ailments, including potentially lethal mouth cancers.

Dr Abuzar called upon every Pakistani to participate to safeguard the health of the new generation. She said 90 per cent of lung cancers were caused by smoking, while smoking in the surroundings adversely affected the health of non-smokers too.

She further said that it is the duty of non-smokers to encourage the people around them to quit smoking permanently. Dr Ishrat talked about the negative impacts of gutka mixed with tobacco and how chewable tobacco could lead to tightening of the jaw, which eventually progressed to mouth cancer.

In order to effectively eradicate narcotics from society, the health expert urged the media, parents, schools, and the general public to take the problem seriously.

Dermatologists further added that mouth cancer, which can affect any area of the mouth, tongue, lips, neck, or throat, is connected with an elevated risk of development among smokers and heavy drinkers. Mouth cancer is easily disregarded in its very early stages.

“Mouth cancer and the necessary therapy can be traumatising for the patient as this may impact abilities including speech, chewing, and swallowing,” she added.