According to various studies and data by hospitals, tobacco-induced cancer cases are seeing a surge by putting a significant burden on the state’s healthcare system. Experts are of the opinion that this is majorly because of the lack of awareness about the symptoms of such cancers, and exposure to tobacco products in early age. Studies say that 27 per cent of Maharashtra’s population is affected by the adverse effects of tobacco consumption.

Dr Sabita Jiwnani, professor, Thoracic services at Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, emphasised the urgent need to make sure that school and college students are not exposed to tobacco products.  Commenting on the need to prevent students from initiating the use of tobacco, Dr. Sabita said, “People who start smoking before 21 years of age are more likely to become addicted to tobacco and continue smoking throughout their lives. This indicates the urgency to strengthen the regulations prohibiting the sale of tobacco products near to school and college premises. This itself will help to a great extent to reduce the number of tobacco induced health problems.”