The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Helpline launched

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Sunday, Jun 01, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Helpline launched

Staff Reporter

World No Tobacco Day observed

- Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

For a cause: A keen listener at the counselling programme organised on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day in Hyderabad on Saturday.

HYDERABAD: Reaching out to people and spreading awareness against the use of tobacco is of paramount importance in eradicating the scourge of cancer and related disorders, Former Minister and Chairperson of Indo-American Cancer Institute and Research Centre Kodela Sivaprasada Rao said while addressing a meeting in the Institute on Saturday.

“Thousands of addicts consume up to 30 to 40 sachets of gutka per day. Places may be found without food, but not one without gutka,” he said.

Noting that the increased use of gutka over a decade contributed to the rise in the incidence of cancer in its various forms, he expressed doubts as to whether setting up of hospitals alone could address the problem.

The meeting was organised by Svechha, a voluntary organisation in association with the Indo-American Cancer Institute on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day.

A ‘Quit Smoking’ drive will be conducted throughout the next week in the hospital, which will include counselling for smokers, free oral cancer check-up, and other tests done at concessional rates, Puneet Bindlish, the Founder and vice- president of Svechha Foundation announced. He also launched the Svechha Health Helpline at 9441361219 that may be dialled to get assistance for any health related issue.

“Passive smoking caused by closed-door smoking will result in abortions, premature births and low birth weight. Studies also point to possible relation between passive smoking and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” Kalpana Raghunath, the Medical Superintendent(Academics) warned during the meeting. The Joint Director of Research at the Institute Kaiser Jamil said studies were being conducted over gene mutations due to consumption of tobacco. “Not everybody who smokes will get cancer. Studies are on to determine genes susceptible to cancer,” she said.

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Andhra Pradesh