May 31, 2025 :- As the world marks World No Tobacco Day, this year’s campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) brings into focus the deceptive tactics used by the tobacco industry to lure in new users, especially the youth. The theme, “Bright Products. Dark Intentions. Unmasking the Appeal,” sheds light on how colorful packaging and flavored products are being used to mask the dangers of addiction, illness, and death.
Tobacco consumption in India continues to be a leading cause of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory complications, yet millions remain unaware of the full extent of its damage. The 2025 campaign pushes for greater awareness, tighter regulation, and a unified call to protect future generations.
The Silent Health Crisis
Tobacco’s toll on health is severe and far-reaching. According to Dr. Vikas Mittal, many men delay addressing early warning signs such as persistent coughing, chest heaviness, and shortness of breath—symptoms often brushed off until irreversible damage sets in. Tobacco doesn’t just harm the lungs; it also restricts blood flow and narrows arteries, leading to an 85% higher risk of erectile dysfunction among users.
The crisis is not limited to men. In cities like Kolkata, the rise in tobacco use among women is now contributing to a growing number of oral cancer cases, as reported by R Ahmed Dental College. Smoking also damages reproductive health in women, including a decline in egg quality and increased complications during fertility treatments.
A Growing Threat Among Youth
What’s especially alarming is the tobacco industry’s continued focus on recruiting the next generation. Through indirect advertising, subtle packaging, and strategic celebrity endorsements, brands are attracting younger consumers at a disturbing pace. In states like Jharkhand, studies show that initiation often begins between the ages of 15 to 19.
Across India, over 15 million youth are already using tobacco—and most began before the age of 20. The blend of flavored products and relaxed regulations has created an environment where young people are drawn in before they fully understand the consequences.
Beyond Cancer: The Overlooked Risk
While tobacco’s link to cancer is widely acknowledged, its role in heart disease is frequently overlooked. Nicotine speeds up heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and reduces oxygen supply—often leading to heart attacks or sudden cardiac death in individuals with no previous history of heart conditions.
In cities like Nagpur, more than 50% of cancer cases recorded between 2021 and 2023 were linked directly to tobacco use. Oral cancer remains the most prevalent form. These figures underscore the need for continued education and intervention.
The Path Forward
World No Tobacco Day 2025 calls for urgent, collective action. As tobacco companies evolve their strategies, our resistance must evolve too. Governments must tighten restrictions on flavored tobacco and marketing practices. Public health agencies must amplify education campaigns. Families, schools, and communities must speak openly about the realities of tobacco addiction.
Through awareness, policy reform, and support systems for quitting, a tobacco-free future is not just possible—it’s essential.
