Health experts have raised serious concerns over the growing number of cancer cases in Nagaland, linking the surge primarily to widespread tobacco consumption.

This was highlighted during a World No Tobacco Day event held on May 31 at Coraggio School in Kohima, organised by the Population-Based Cancer Registry under the Nagaland Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the Association of Oncologists of Northeast India (AONEI).

Addressing the event, Dr. V. Khamo, Principal Investigator of the Population-Based Cancer Registry at NIST, described tobacco as one of the most significant public health threats, especially for young people. She said tobacco use remains a leading cause of cancer, as well as other critical diseases such as heart conditions and stroke.

She described the work of the cancer registry team as a dedicated effort to document cancer cases across the state, gathering data from hospitals and other institutions to understand the types and causes of cancer prevalent in Nagaland.

Dr. Khamo pointed out that cancer cases have been increasing alarmingly in the state, and tobacco is among the major contributing factors. She noted that cancer treatment is not only costly but also largely unavailable within Nagaland, forcing many patients to seek treatment outside the state—leading to financial and emotional strain on families.

She urged students to stay away from tobacco products, cautioning that while they may appear attractive and easily accessible, they are highly dangerous and can ruin lives.

She further encouraged them to become role models and change-makers in their communities by standing firmly against tobacco.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vetsolu Hiese Koza, Dental surgeon and Research Scientist at the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry drew attention to the health risks posed by tobacco and warned against the industry’s tactics to make such products appealing to youth.

Addressing this year’s theme ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products’, Dr. Koza explained that tobacco is derived from the Nicotiana tabacum or Nicotiana rustica plant and contains nicotine, a highly addictive psychoactive substance. Once a person begins using tobacco, dependency builds up quickly, making it very difficult to quit.

She highlighted that over 12 to 13 lakh people die in India every year due to tobacco use, with around 3,500 deaths recorded daily. India also accounts for the highest number of oral cancer cases in the world.

Tobacco products, she said, can be broadly categorised into four types—smoking, smokeless, heated tobacco, and nicotine-only products. Smoking affects not just the direct user but also those exposed to second-hand smoke. Smokeless products, including chewing tobacco, snuff, and the disturbing practice of using tobacco powder as toothpaste, are equally harmful.

She warned about the practice of rubbing tobacco on teeth, which erodes enamel and causes permanent damage. Vaping, she said, is another growing concern among youth who often falsely believe it to be a safer alternative. She stated that vapes deliver not just nicotine but a mix of unknown chemicals that become toxic when heated.

She also cautioned against the use of areca nut (supari), which is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and is known to cause oral cancers and related fatalities.

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Dr. Koza listed several toxic substances found in tobacco products, including arsenic, acetone, ammonia, benzene, cadmium, carbon monoxide, hydrazine, formaldehyde, naphthalene, nickel, and even radioactive polonium—all of which are linked to health risks.

She further explained that tobacco use is linked to a wide range of serious health conditions beyond cancer, including stroke, blindness, gum infections, heart disease, and respiratory problems. It also impacts mental health, leading to addiction, stress, and depression.

Calling on students and educators to be vigilant, Dr. Koza encouraged everyone to take proactive steps against tobacco. She stressed that quitting tobacco is the most important step one can take for a healthier life.

She also underlined key provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, noting that the sale and purchase of tobacco by or for minors under 18 is illegal and punishable. The law also prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions. While packaging is required to carry health warnings, she said tobacco companies often try to obscure or downplay them to mislead consumers.

She condemned media advertisements that glamorise tobacco use and urged the public to reject such deceptive content. The programme concluded with Dr. Koza administering a pledge for a tobacco-free world.

Earlier in the programme, Annie Konthoujam, Headmistress of Coraggio School, delivered the welcome address and reaffirmed the school’s stand as a tobacco-free institution.