Vishnu Joins 'no Tobacco' Campaign

Source from:  expressbuzz.com Express Features15 Sep 2008 09/17/2008

Cine actor Vishnu joined Oncologists Dr Vijay Anand Reddy and Dr Umanath Naik of Apollo Cancer Institute here in strongly espousing the cause of 'No Tobacco Usage,' especially among youth. Vishnu, who was disturbed by the statistics presented and seriousness of cancer affliction among the youth of the country, extended his support in the fight against tobacco usage. According to Dr Reddy, the incidence of cancer was alarmingly increasing in the world, more so in India with ten lakh new cases detected annually in the country alone. Of the known causes of the disease, tobacco was the biggest culprit. Twenty-five percent of the new cancer cases detected were tobacco-related. Forty-seven percent of the population above the age of 15 were addicted to tobacco in India oral cancers constituted ten per cent of the total cases. The incidence was very high in the country compared to developed countries with 17 per lakh in India affected compared to 11 per lakh in the US and two per lakh in Japan. Oral cancer was one of the most preventable form of cancers. The only way to prevent it was by creating awareness, Dr Naik said. "We need to conduct awareness programmes at frequent intervals. We are mainly targeting the younger generation of twin cities who are getting addicted to various forms of tobacco chewing and smoking," Dr Reddy said. Enditem