Tobacco driving cancer surge in Nagaland, warns NIST investigator
On World No Tobacco Day, Dr. V Khamo, Principal Investigator of the Population-Based Cancer Registry has raised serious concerns about the rising incidence of cancer in Nagaland
Published on May 31, 2025
By Thejoto Nienu
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12 to 13 lakh
Indians die annually from tobacco use, with 3,500 deaths every day
Dr. V Khamo
addressing students during the World No Tobacco Day event at Coraggio School,
Kohima. (EM Images)
- KOHIMA — Dr. V Khamo, Principal Investigator of
the Population-Based Cancer Registry at Nagaland Institute of Science and
Technology (NIST), —attributing it primarily to widespread tobacco consumption.
- Speaking at the World No Tobacco Day event held at Coraggio
School in Kohima, organised by the Population-Based Cancer Registry in
collaboration with the Association of Oncologists of Northeast India (AONEI),
Khamo described tobacco as a major health threat, warning students that it
leads to cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions.
- Referring to the registry team at NIST as "cancer
warriors," she explained: “We collect data from hospitals, homes, prayer
houses—even cemeteries—to understand what types of cancer are prevalent in our
state and why.”
- She shared that cancer cases have risen sharply in Nagaland,
with tobacco being a key contributing factor. “Tobacco is bad for your health.
Treatment is not only expensive but also largely unavailable in the state. Many
patients must travel outside Nagaland, draining financial and emotional
resources,” she said.
- Urging students to avoid tobacco in all forms, Khamo said:
“You may see tobacco in shops looking like snacks or candy—but say ‘No’. It’s a
nuisance that destroys lives.” She added that today’s youth are fortunate to
receive early education on tobacco risks, something that was lacking in
previous generations.
Dr. V Khamo, Dr.
Vetsolu Hiese Koza, Kekhriengunuo Khamo, Annie Konthoujam, and others with
students at Coraggio School, Kohima, on Saturday. (EM Images)
- The doctor called on students to be changemakers, asserting
that they are capable of distinguishing right from wrong and should take a firm
stand against tobacco.
- Hidden dangers: From toothpaste to vapes
- Adding to the warnings, Dr. Vetsolu Hiese Koza, Research
Scientist at the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry and a dental surgeon, issued a
stark warning about the growing health risks associated with tobacco
use—particularly among the youth. This year’s World No Tobacco Day
theme—“Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine
Products”—is particularly relevant, she said.
- Koza warned that even unconventional uses, such as applying
tobacco as toothpaste, are severely harmful. “Tobacco comes from the Nicotiana
plant, and its addictive property—nicotine—makes quitting incredibly
difficult,” she said.
- Sharing alarming statistics, she revealed that 12 to 13 lakh
Indians die annually from tobacco use, with 3,500 deaths every day. “India has
the highest number of oral cancer cases in the world,” she stated.
- Tobacco products, Koza said, fall into four categories:
smoking, smokeless, heated tobacco, and nicotine-only products. She maintained
that both active and passive smoking are harmful, and so are smokeless products
like chewing tobacco and snuff. “Some even rub tobacco directly on their teeth,
which erodes enamel and causes permanent damage,” she added.
- She warned of the growing trend of vaping among youth, often
misunderstood as safe. “Vaping delivers not just nicotine, but other chemicals
that can become toxic when heated,” she cautioned.
- The doctor also raised concerns over areca nut (supari)
consumption, a Group-1 carcinogen responsible for oral cancers. Listing harmful
substances found in tobacco—arsenic, ammonia, cadmium, benzene, and even
radioactive polonium—she asked students to think twice before using products
that contain chemicals also found in rat poison and hair dyes.
- Beyond cancer, she said tobacco contributes to stroke,
blindness, gum infections, heart and lung disease, reduced brain function, and
self-esteem issues.
- Tobacco use also negatively impacts mental health by
increasing stress and depression levels.
- She encouraged students and educators to actively discourage
tobacco use and emphasised the importance of quitting. “It’s the single most
important step for your health,” she said, suggesting therapy and counselling
for those trying to quit.
- Legal framework and misleading advertising
- Koza also touched on the legal framework under the
Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. She cited the strict
prohibition of tobacco sales to minors and within 100 yards of educational
institutions under Sections 6A and 6B.
- Section 7 mandates health warnings on packaging, but Koza
criticised how tobacco companies obscure these warnings through misleading
designs. She also called out the glamorisation of tobacco in advertisements,
especially those promoting pan masala through attractive celebrities.
- Koza urged everyone to be vigilant and resist deceptive
industry tactics. She also administered a pledge to students and staff for a
tobacco-free world.
