Surge in Oral and Lung Cancer Cases in Nagpur Linked to Kharra and Smoking Nagpur and the broader Vidarbha region are facing a sharp rise in oral and lung cancer cases, driven by the widespread use of kharra, a form of blended chewing tobacco, and smoking, according to oncologists and chest physicians. The issue has gained urgency ahead of World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31, as experts warn that tobacco-related illnesses are increasingly affecting younger adults and women, breaking traditional patterns of risk. Dr. Saurabh Prasad, an oncologist, highlighted that oral and lung cancers now account for nearly 35% of all cancer cases reported in Nagpur. This figure is significantly higher than the 7% prevalence seen in many Western countries. He noted a growing number of patients among young adults and women, indicating that tobacco-related diseases are no longer confined to older or male-dominated high-risk groups. Dr. Sushant Meshram, professor and head of pulmonary medicine at Govt Medical College and Hospital, emphasized that tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including more than 70 known carcinogens, which damage lung tissue, impair lung function, and elevate the risk of lung cancer. Dr. Meshram also warned that second-hand smoke exposes family members and coworkers to similar dangers. Smoking further weakens the lungs’ natural defenses, making individuals more susceptible to tuberculosis. Dr. Rajesh Swarnakar, president of the Vidarbha Chest Association, described the consequences of tobacco addiction as visible in hospitals through cases of blackened lungs, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers detected at advanced stages.#nagpur #world_health_organization #vidarbha #kharra #world_no_tobacco_day
