Some people believe that smokeless tobacco is safer than smoking because there’s no smoke in the lungs. This is one of the greatest misconceptions. Products like gutkha and paan with tobacco, mawa, and mishri contain dangerous chemicals that can lead to serious damage to the body. Smokeless tobacco is an important public health problem, and India has one of the highest numbers of users. These products are cheap, easy to access, and strongly associated with cultural and social practices, so the risk is often not taken into account. But regular use can quietly increase the risk of cancer and many other life-threatening diseases.
What makes smokeless tobacco so dangerous?
Smokeless tobacco contains nicotine, which is addictive, and several cancer-causing chemicals, known as carcinogens. These toxic substances are in constant contact with the mouth, gums, tongue, and throat for long periods of time. These damage healthy cells over time. They can make changes that can become cancer. Continued use can also cause chronic irritation, making it easier for abnormal cells to grow and spread. The more frequently and the longer a person uses these products, the greater the health risk.
Cancers linked to smokeless tobacco
Smokeless tobacco is strongly linked to cancers of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, throat, voice box, and food pipe. It can also raise the risk of pancreatic cancer. Oral cancer is especially common because the tobacco stays in one spot in the mouth for a few minutes or even hours. Many people become aware of the symptoms as the disease progresses, making treatment more difficult and decreasing chances for survival.
Early warning signs you should never ignore
Cancer usually grows very slowly, sending signals that should not be neglected. A red or white area in the mouth, a sore that persists for more than two weeks, problems with chewing or swallowing, constant pain in the mouth, loose teeth for no apparent dental reason, swelling in the jaw, and numbness or a lump in the neck should be checked as soon as possible. These signs may not necessarily indicate cancer, but must be examined in order to eliminate the possibility of such a serious illness.
Health problems beyond cancer
Smokeless tobacco causes more than just cancer. It leads to gum diseases, loss of teeth, bad mouth odour, ulcers in the mouth, and permanent stains on the teeth. It also leads to increased chances of getting heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, and negative consequences of pregnancy. Moreover, addiction to nicotine makes it hard to stop, as users are unable to quit the habit, even though they are aware of its side effects.
Why do many Indians continue using it?
Many use it because of family habits, peer influence, stress, or their belief that smokeless tobacco improves digestion or relieves tiredness. Some people believe that herbal or flavoured products are harmless or that tobacco use without smoking is low risk. It is also widely used because of its aggressive marketing in the past, low cost, and easy access. Unfortunately, these beliefs will make quitting more difficult and increase the risk of serious health problems developing.
Quitting can greatly reduce your risk
Your body begins to heal itself soon after you stop using tobacco. You can’t always undo the damage that has already been done, but if you quit, you will lower your risk of getting cancer and other diseases over time. Professional counselling, family support, nicotine replacement therapy, prescribed medicines, and behavioural therapy can greatly improve the chances of quitting successfully. If you are a current or former user, regular dental checkups and oral cancer screenings are especially important, as early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes.
Chewing tobacco is no safer than smoking. It is a leading cause of preventable cancer and other serious diseases in India. Knowing its hidden dangers, as well as spotting early warning signs and getting medical help right away, can save lives. The best defence is to not start the habit or to quit as soon as possible. Each day you stay away from tobacco means a healthier, longer future free from cancer and with reduced health risks for you.
The author is the chairperson – Radiation Oncology, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
