World No Tobacco Day 2026: Combating tobacco’s impact on heart, lung, and cancer health in India

India continues to face a growing health burden from tobacco consumption, with around 28 per cent of adults using tobacco in some form, resulting in nearly 1.5 million deaths annually, according to experts speaking on World No Tobacco Day 2026.

Tobacco remains one of the leading contributors to cardiovascular diseases in the country. Cardiovascular deaths account for nearly 42 per cent of all adult deaths, of which 35 per cent are linked to tobacco use. Lung cancer also remains among the top three causes of cancer-related fatalities, with tobacco responsible for 85 per cent of such cases. Second-hand smoke exposure contributes to around 10 per cent of non-communicable disease deaths among non-smokers. The economic burden associated with tobacco-related diseases in India is estimated at Rs 1.04 lakh crore annually, including healthcare expenditure and productivity losses.

Dr Purshotam Lal 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”.

Dr Tarang Krishna said, “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.”

He added, “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 diseases linked to tobacco exposure include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchitis and emphysema. Passive smoke exposure also affects respiratory health among non-smokers. Experts noted that educational interventions and pulmonary rehabilitation can help reduce disease progression and improve quality of life.

Dr Venkatesh B. C said, “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.”

Experts stated that coordinated action involving hospitals, public health authorities and communities is required to strengthen cessation programmes, implement tobacco control policies and expand preventive education. They also highlighted the role of schools, workplaces and community campaigns in supporting awareness and tobacco cessation efforts.

World No Tobacco Day 2026 also highlighted the importance of combining clinical care, education and policy interventions to support prevention, early detection and patient support. Experts said continued awareness campaigns, hospital-led initiatives and community engagement remain important in reducing tobacco-related diseases in India.