Are Cigarettes, Bidis, and Chewable Tobacco Endangering Our Youth's Health?
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Synopsis
Traditional tobacco products are an overlooked threat to India's youth, significantly increasing cancer risks. Experts urge immediate action to combat this silent epidemic.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional tobacco products significantly increase cancer risks among youth.
- Urgent action is needed to combat the silent epidemic of tobacco use.
- School and community interventions are essential for prevention.
- Public awareness campaigns must shift focus from vaping to traditional tobacco.
- Health experts emphasize a balanced approach to tobacco regulation.
New Delhi, Aug 11 (NationPress) Traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis, and chewable tobacco are creating a silent crisis for the youth of India, significantly increasing the risk of cancers including lung, mouth, and throat, according to health experts speaking on Monday. They emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts against these products to combat tobacco use.
The 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey indicated that 8.5% of students aged 13-15 are using tobacco, resulting in approximately 1.3 million deaths annually.
Experts highlighted that tobacco is responsible for 90% of lung cancer cases, indicating that this overlooked epidemic requires immediate attention that transcends the current vaping discussion.
“Over 90% of lung cancer occurrences in India are attributed to combustible tobacco. In my clinical practice, I frequently encounter patients as young as 17 suffering from complications due to tobacco. What we need is a balanced approach that encompasses prevention, regulation, and public awareness—rather than selective panic,” stated Dr. Narender Saini, Chairman of the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Standing Committee at the Indian Medical Association (IMA), to IANS.
The medical community is increasingly worried that the public conversation around youth addiction is missing critical points.
While attention has been drawn to new trends, the experts caution that the silent epidemic of oral and throat cancer among individuals under 25, linked to traditional tobacco products like gutkha and khaini, represents a more immediate and dangerous crisis.
“The data reveals a harsh truth—traditional tobacco's hold on our youth overshadows other issues, compelling us to reassess our priorities. Our focus must shift from trendy alternatives to the actual threats: cigarettes, bidis, and chewable tobacco,” said Dr. Chandrakant S Pandav, Padma Shri Awardee and former Professor and Head of Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, in an interview with IANS.
The global health expert noted that traditional tobacco use remains largely unchecked in schools and rural areas. Despite rising concerns regarding vaping, both combustible and smokeless tobacco products continue to flourish, driven by cultural acceptance and unregulated distribution.
“Tobacco use presents immediate and long-lasting risks to infection control. My clinical observations show a stark difference: tobacco-related diseases are widespread, whereas vaping-related lung problems are exceedingly rare,” Saini remarked.
The experts advocated for enhanced school-based initiatives, community awareness programs, and stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
“To close the gap between data and policy, stakeholders must devise a cohesive strategy that addresses both supply and demand, ensuring that young Indians are protected from all forms of tobacco-related harm,” Pandav added.
Dr. Pawan Gupta, Senior Consultant in Pulmonary Medicine at a prominent city hospital, shared with IANS that “the damage caused by traditional tobacco begins early and lasts a lifetime.”
“We witness its devastating effects daily—oral cancers, lung diseases, and cardiovascular issues—often in individuals who began using these products during their teenage years. With 1.35 million deaths annually, the evidence is undeniable: traditional tobacco is a recognized killer, and our youth are its most susceptible victims,” Gupta concluded.
Point of View
We are committed to spotlighting critical health issues affecting our youth. The alarming rise of traditional tobacco use among young people necessitates a concerted effort from all stakeholders. By fostering awareness and implementing robust policies, we can combat this public health crisis effectively.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main health risks associated with traditional tobacco use?
Traditional tobacco products like cigarettes and bidis are major contributors to lung, mouth, and throat cancers, significantly increasing health risks for users.
How prevalent is tobacco use among Indian youth?
According to the 2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, approximately 8.5% of students aged 13-15 are using tobacco, leading to about 1.3 million deaths each year.
What measures can be taken to combat tobacco use in youth?
Strengthening school-based interventions, enhancing community awareness campaigns, and enforcing existing tobacco regulations are crucial steps in addressing this issue.
Why is there a focus on traditional tobacco over vaping?
Experts believe that the silent epidemic of traditional tobacco use poses a more immediate threat to youth health compared to vaping, which is often the center of public discourse.
What is the long-term impact of tobacco use on health?
Long-term tobacco use can lead to severe health conditions, including chronic lung diseases, heart issues, and various forms of cancer, impacting quality of life significantly.
