India: Rotary organizes "Dr Madan Kapre''s horror show" about ill-effects of tobacco

Source from:  Times of India 09/01/2015

Rotary Club of Nagpur South organized a programme to create awareness about the ill-effects of consumption of tobacco, kharra, gutkha, supari (betel nut) for teachers of Eklavya Ekal Vidyalaya.

Dr Madan Kapre, a senior ENT surgeon of city working against tobacco for years, has prepared a documentary based on real life experiences of his patients. He has named the film as "Dr Madan Kapre's Horror Show" as it really sends shivers down anyone's spine.

Tobacco is a carcinogenic substance and its abuse is root cause for many health hazards and cancer in specific. Despite all government campaigns, a huge majority continues to consume tobacco-based products. "But when I show this film there are always at least 5-10 people on the spot who pledge to leave tobacco immediately," said Dr Kapre.

Dr Kapre broke many myths prevalent in rural population about tobacco like -- tobacco acts like stimulant for toilet, to keep sleep away while driving etc. The rural population also believes that high quality beedi smoking is safe etc. "Strange as it may sound, in villages one does not hesitate to fix his daughter's marriage to a person who smokes or chews pan with zafran or scented tobacco but thinks twice about a person who consumes alcohol," he said.

Of all cancers, about 40% are related to head and neck. They are common even in tribal population. Those who consume kharra or gutka have difficulty in opening mouth due to sub mucous fibrosis and about 30% of these people end up with oral cavity cancers.

He urged the teachers to make their pupils aware about ill-effects of tobacco so that they in turn persuade their parents to shun the habit. Enditem