Alarming Statistics: Indian Teenagers’ Tobacco Consumption Leading to Devastating Consequences
Disturbing Survey Results Highlight the Prevalence of Teenage Tobacco Use
According to the Global Youth Tobacco survey, alarming statistics have come to light, indicating that a significant number of Indian teenagers, aged 13 to 15, are engaged in tobacco consumption. The survey found that one-fifth of Indian teenagers are tobacco users, with 38% being addicted to cigarettes, 47% addicted to Bidi (traditional hand-rolled cigarettes), and 52% using smokeless tobacco products. What’s even more shocking is that many of these teenagers picked up the habit before they turned 10 years old!
Heartbreaking Case: 10-Year-Old Battling Oral Cancer Due to Tobacco Exposure
One month ago, a heart-wrenching case emerged when a 10-year-old student complained of pain and discomfort in his oral cavity. Concerned, his teacher, a breast cancer survivor herself, took him to HCG Manavta Cancer Care Hospital for a check-up. Sadly, the doctor discovered an ulcerous growth in the child’s oral cavity, and the biopsy report confirmed the devastating news – the growth was cancerous.
Appalled by such a young child suffering from oral cancer, the medical team questioned him gently. He admitted that he had seen his father consuming tobacco products and, in an attempt to emulate his parent, started consuming the leftovers from his dad’s packets. The consequences were devastating, with the cancer rapidly spreading through the child’s body, leading to the amputation of a body part. At present, he is undergoing treatment at Manavata, fighting a battle no child should ever have to face.
This heart-wrenching case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of tobacco consumption, especially among impressionable young minds.
The survey results and the heartbreaking case of the 10-year-old vividly demonstrate the urgent need for action against teenage tobacco use in India. Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to educate teenagers about the dangers of tobacco products and enforce strict regulations to deter tobacco sales to minors.
Our society must strive to create a tobacco-free environment, protecting the health and well-being of our youth. By addressing this issue head-on, we can ensure a healthier, brighter future for the upcoming generation.
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