National Cancer Awareness Day 2024, Non-Smokers Cancer, Cancer Non-Smokers, Air Pollution Cancer: Amid rising Air Pollution and degrading Air Quality Index in India, National Cancer Awareness Day 2024 came a major day. In India, National Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated on November 7 every year. The day is aimed at spreading awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Talking about awareness, it has been observed that people often get afflicted with throat and mouth cancer. Dr. Harpreet Singh, Senior Consultant and HOD of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Mohandai Oswal Hospital (GT Road Byepass, Ludhiana) revealed that throat and mouth are the most common cancers in India and it even impacts nonsmokers or people who do not consume tobacco. Below is the reason why-
Why do non-smokers or non-tobacco consumers get cancer?
Dr. Harpreet Singh while talking to True Scoop said, "In India, mouth and throat cancer is among the most common cancers. People who consume tobacco and smoke biddi that is unfiltered smoke. All these things cause mouth and throat cancer."
"There are many patients who come to the hospital who have never smoked but still get such type of cancers. That is all because of Air Pollution. The more Air Pollution is reduced, the more cases of cancer will be reduced. Pollution today is such that it is like smoking 15 to 16 cigarettes. Pollution is expected to rise in the coming winters. Breathing air with an AQI of more than 300 is like smoking 12 to 15 cigarettes a day."
Air Pollution is among the most probable cause why cancer cases are rising. In Punjab, regions like Doaba, and Malwa, cancer cases are rising. Although there is no study using chemical fertilizers in crops also causes cancer. Chemical fertilizers and insecticides are used very widely in Malwa. Chemicals like Arsenic, and lead in water also contribute to cancer."