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Experts are urging a shift toward smokeless alternatives, such as nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), as a means of drastically reducing cancer-related deaths. According to health professionals, embracing these alternatives could result in a remarkable 70% reduction in cancer fatalities, a breakthrough in the battle against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally.
Tobacco remains a leading cause of NCDs, particularly in countries like India, which is witnessing an alarming cancer burden. Despite global efforts by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to curb tobacco use, India continues to rank second in Asia for the highest number of cancer cases. According to recent studies, one in nine Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, with tobacco being a key contributing factor.
Dr. Chandrakant S. Pandav, a Padma Shri Awardee and Global Public Health Expert, has been at the forefront of advocating for harm reduction policies. Drawing from success stories in countries like Sweden, Japan, and the United Kingdom, Dr. Pandav highlights how tobacco-related health issues have been significantly reduced through the adoption of harm reduction initiatives. Sweden, for example, has seen a drastic decline in smoking rates thanks to the availability of smokeless alternatives. Similarly, Japan’s public health policies have contributed to a reduction in smoking prevalence, paving the way for a healthier future.
“Implementing harm reduction strategies, such as the legalization of nicotine-containing alternatives, is crucial in tackling the widespread tobacco-related cancer crisis,” said Dr. Pandav. He pointed to Norway’s recent decision to legalize nicotine products as an example of proactive measures to mitigate the devastating effects of smoking.
Countries that have embraced these harm reduction approaches are already seeing the benefits. The United Kingdom, for instance, has seen a notable drop in smoking rates, with many turning to vaping and other smokeless options as safer alternatives. These countries serve as powerful examples for India, where tobacco remains a leading cause of preventable deaths.
The focus on harm reduction could not come at a more critical time, as the global cancer burden continues to rise. While India has made strides in tobacco control, the widespread availability of cigarettes and traditional smoking methods continues to fuel the crisis. Smokeless alternatives provide a promising solution to help individuals break free from the cycle of tobacco addiction, offering a path toward healthier, longer lives.
By embracing policies that prioritize harm reduction, experts believe countries like India can significantly reduce the incidence of tobacco-related cancers and set a precedent for other nations to follow. The call to action is clear: switching to safer alternatives and reducing tobacco consumption could be key to averting a major public health catastrophe in the coming years.
With the potential to save millions of lives, the adoption of smokeless alternatives offers hope for a healthier tomorrow—a world where cancer-related deaths caused by tobacco are significantly reduced, and non-communicable diseases are brought under control.
