Dr. Biswajyoti Hazarika, Head – Head and Neck Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, said, “Until now, female tobacco-related cancers were mostly seen in the rural population due to the use of Indian forms of tobacco like hookah or bidi. But in recent times it has been seen that the trend of cigarette smoking among urban women is increasing. At present we do not see many cases of lung cancer or head and neck cancer in women due to tobacco consumption, but This is bound to change in the coming few years.
Highlighting the concern, Dr. Lancelot Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist, PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC shared, “An estimated 70 million women over the age of 15 in India consume tobacco, most of whom are non-smoking/ Chewing tobacco (SLT). This is worrying because women who smoke tobacco are 8 times more likely to develop oral cancer than their male counterparts, 2-4 times more likely to develop heart disease and have a higher risk of death. Is.”
According to a recent research published in the European Society of Cardiology, women find it more difficult to quit smoking than men. According to psychologists, there are many reasons why it is difficult for a woman to quit smoking. “Smoking makes her feel free, it becomes a mechanism to deal with her daily pressures and some women even believe that it helps her keep the weight off. But these are all dangerous reasons that make them heavy Pay.”
Another study found that both men and women perceive smoking differently. Men smoke for the reinforcing effects of nicotine, while women smoke to regulate their mood or fit into a social setting. It was also shown that more women craved cigarettes while experiencing stressful episodes.
Adding to this, Dr. Vineet Govinda Gupta, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram said, “There is a lag of 10 to 20 years for the side effects of smoking to present its symptoms in the tobacco consuming population. Like smokers and paan-masala chewers. Tobacco-related diseases, such as lung and head and neck cancer, have until now been an almost exclusive predominance of men. Today a large number of urban women in their 20s and women living in metros and tier 1 cities have started smoking cigarettes. The effects of smoking in these women will be manifest in their late 40s and 50s.”
Some of the most recommended ways people give advice on quitting smoking are – find ways to stay busy, try chewing gum, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, avoid triggers that make you want to smoke. And acknowledge even the small milestones.
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