Mon, October 28 (MTNews): District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Mon organized a sensitization program on “Tobacco Use and Its Harmful Effects on Humans” with Dr. I. Simon Sumi, DNO-NTCP Mon serving as the resource person on October 27, 2022 at Council Hall.
Dr. I. Simon emphasized on the rapid rise in oral cancer cases in India and Nagaland in particular. He said that 90% of Oral Cancer in India is due to the consumption of tobacco. He went on to list the tobacco-related oral diseases, including leukoplakia/erythroplakia, ulceration, oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSMF), and others.
He urged the participants to regularly get checked up by a doctor if they notice any symptoms of OSMF, such as stiff fibers or difficulty opening their mouths.
Later, Dr. Simon gave a demonstration of some oral physiotherapy that someone with OSMF should practice on a daily basis.
Imnalensa, IPS, Superintendent of Police Mon motivated the audience during his speech by sharing a personal story. He pleaded with the jawans to be responsible citizens and quit tobacco before it harms them and their loved ones.
He added that addiction to tobacco presents a challenge for most Nagas and that smoking has become the new normal. He urged the jawans to tell their friends, families, loved ones, and acquaintances about the ill effects of smoking.
The program also included a screening toward the end.