World No Tobacco Day 2026 mainly emphasizes on the growing health threat posed by consumption of tobacco in India, where around 28% of adults use tobacco in some form, ultimately resulting in approx. 1.5 million deaths on annual basis. Tobacco is considered as the leading contributor to all cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular deaths nearly account for 42% of all adults’ death in which 35 are due to tobacco, while cancer related to lungs alone constitutes for one of the top three causes of cancer related fatalities with tobacco responsible for 85% of these cases. Moreover, second hand exposure to smoke causes around 10% of non-communicable disease death among nonsmokers, adding to broad impact. The economic burden of tobacco related health issues in India is estimated around at ₹1.04 lakh crore annually, which consist both healthcare related cost and lost productivity as well.
Dr. Purshotam Lal, Interventional Cardiologist and Chairman of Metro Group of Hospitals said “Consumption of tobacco continue to a quiet killer, mainly affecting cardiovascular health. Continuous smoking and smokeless tobacco also increase the risk of coronary artery disease and sudden cardiac events. In some clinical practice, patients normally underestimate the cumulative effect of tobacco on functioning of heart. Factors such as early preventing screening, coupled with robust public awareness campaigns is very much essential to reduce the burden of heart disease for both urban and rural populations”.
“Tobacco is not just causing cancer; it is changing the age at which cancer is reaching Indian families. We are increasingly seeing younger patients with aggressive disease patterns, especially oral, lung and pancreatic cancers, because tobacco exposure is starting early and continuing silently for years. The biggest misconception is that damage happens only after decades of use. In reality, every cigarette, bidi, hookah session, gutkha or paan masala with tobacco exposes the body to carcinogens that can damage cells, alter DNA and gradually create the foundation for cancer.
Dr. Tarang Krishna, Managing Director, Cancer Healer Center , said we believe tobacco cessation must be treated as an essential part of cancer prevention and care, not as an optional lifestyle suggestion. Symptoms like non-healing mouth ulcers, persistent cough, blood in sputum, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing or swelling in the neck should never be ignored. Early screening, counselling, community awareness and timely quitting can save lives. Tobacco control must move beyond packet warnings and become a serious family, medical and community-level conversation.”
Pulmonary health is equally vulnerable, with tobacco exposure leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, and emphysema. Passive smoke exposure further complicates respiratory outcomes among non-smokers. Evidence demonstrates that educational interventions and pulmonary rehabilitation can mitigate progression and improve quality of life. On this, Dr. Venkatesh B. C, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist at SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road, Bangalore emphasizes: "Pulmonary health is profoundly affected by tobacco, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis, and emphysema. Even passive exposure to tobacco smoke significantly compromises respiratory function. On World No Tobacco Day, our primary focus is to educate both smokers and their families about the immediate and long-term pulmonary risks. Clinical interventions, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle counselling form the cornerstone of mitigating tobacco-related harm."
These expert insights collectively underscore the multifaceted impact of tobacco on public health. Coordinated action from hospitals, public health authorities, and communities is crucial to implement cessation programs, enforce strict tobacco control policies, and provide preventive education. Schools, workplaces, and community campaigns play a key role in ensuring individuals understand the risks and have access to support for quitting. By addressing both direct consumption and second-hand smoke, morbidity and mortality rates can be reduced, while economic burden and productivity losses are minimized.
World No Tobacco Day serves as a pivotal moment to reinforce these initiatives. Combining clinical care, education, and policy intervention provides a holistic strategy that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and patient support. Continued awareness campaigns, hospital-led programs, and community engagement are essential to protect future generations and promote a healthier India. The convergence of expertise from cardiology, oncology, and pulmonology ensures a comprehensive approach to combating tobacco-related diseases, fostering a tobacco-free environment for all.