"For more than 50 percent of all cancers smoking is a major contributor," said Lalit Kumar, adding that smoking is also on the rise among women in India.
Lung cancer is on the rise among women in India as well as cases of cancer of the head and neck. "A lot of women in villages smoke bidis and chew tobacco and khaini. It is very popular in Bihar and eastern UP. Tobacco contributes to 15 percent of cancer among women," said the expert.
"If we stop tobacco, 50 percent of cancer among men and 15 percent among women can be stopped," said Lalit Kumar.
In India the incidence of cancer due to tobacco consumption is higher. "In the US, smoking is coming down. They have a rule that people can't smoke in public places and they stick to it."
"In India, under former health minister A. Ramadoss we had legislation to impose a fine for smoking in public places. There has to be social awareness about the dangers of smoking. It has to come from schools and colleges and has to be part of the day-to-day activities. There should be legislation against smoking and it should be followed up," said the expert.
