National Seminar at TMU: Innovative Strategies on Tobacco Cessation
May 31, 2023, On World No Tobacco Day, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Nursing organised a National Seminar on Innovative Strategies on Tobacco Cessation. The session was organised to share valuable insights and innovative strategies that can effectively combat the harmful effects of tobacco. The chief guest Dr. Bandana, Principal of Govt. Nursing College & Dean of Nursing Studies, Atal Medical & Research University, HP guided more than two hundred students about the topic.
Inauguration:
The session was inaugurated by Dr. Prof. Poonam Sharma, Principal, College of Nursing. During the inaugural address, she discussed the challenges faced by individuals trying to quit smoking, the role of healthcare professionals in supporting cessation efforts, and the importance of creating a comprehensive framework to combat tobacco addiction.
Insights of the Chief Guest:
Dr. Bandana shared about the detrimental effects of tobacco use on human health and advocated for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. The session focused on educating the students about tobacco's harmful effects and presenting the latest statistics on cancer caused by tobacco consumption.
She shared how Tobacco use is a primary global health concern today which is responsible for millions of deaths each year. How harmful are the effects of tobacco on the human body? Smoking tobacco, whether through cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, exposes individuals to numerous toxic chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. These substances can have devastating consequences for smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke.
The session emphasized that tobacco use increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, such as lung, oral, throat, esophageal, pancreatic, bladder, and kidney cancer. Through the session students were informed about the carcinogens present in tobacco smoke that directly damage the DNA within cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of malignant tumors.
Adding to the session, she also discussed the Alarming Cancer Statistics giving a more vivid picture of the gravity of the situation. The session also presented the current statistics regarding cancer cases associated with tobacco consumption. The alarming numbers highlighted the urgent need for public health interventions to combat tobacco use.
According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is responsible for approximately 8 million deaths yearly, with 7 million of those deaths occurring due to direct tobacco use and the remaining 1 million being attributed to exposure to second-hand smoke. Of all these deaths, around 1.7 million are directly linked to cancer.
Furthermore, it was highlighted that lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer associated with tobacco use, accounting for approximately 80% of all smoking-related cancer deaths. The statistics also revealed that tobacco use increases the risk of developing lung cancer by up to 25 times compared to non-smokers.
Tobacco consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of pancreatic, bladder, and kidney cancer. The guest also urged the students to be mindful of their habits and not fall prey to such habits. As healthcare professionals, they should ensure and be ambassadors to create awareness amongst the masses not to be victims of such substances.
Outcome of the session:
Nurses are often at the forefront of patient care, and their understanding of the risks associated with tobacco enables them to educate patients and advocate for preventive measures. After such an impactful session, the students had an opportunity to discuss their doubts about the topic. Attendees learnt about innovative initiatives and interventions through presentations. These presentations showcased successful case studies, highlighting the positive outcomes of community-driven campaigns, peer support programs, and digital tools designed to aid tobacco cessation.Overall the session ended with great feedback.
About College of Nursing, TMU
Teerthanker Mahaveer University's College of Nursing located in the vicinity of Moradabad is the best nursing college in Uttar Pradesh. The college along with the super-speciality TMU Hospital emphasizes practical experience, aided by academic knowledge. Modular learning laboratories with industry-standard equipment and sophisticated amenities are available at the college. TMU always focuses on providing the best possible knowledge to the students through workshops, seminars and conferences. To learn more about the eligibility criteria and programme structure, visit https://www.tmu.ac.in/college-of-nursing
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