More than 90 percent of the instances of oral cancer in Pakistan are due to tobacco usage, as said by Professor Rafi, Vice Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU). The professor was addressing a party of traffic police officials at an oral health session. He further added that the effects of tobacco consumption take about 20 or more years to manifest as lethal diseases.

The session was organized by the JSMU Student Council and Department of Community Dentistry as part of JSMU’s Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences outreach program.

Dr. Marium Azhar, who is the head of the Community Dentistry Program said initially chewing harmful substance may to lead minor gum infections which later develop into cancer. She stressed the need for individuals to spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of consuming gutka, niswar, tobacco and etc.

The SSP Traffic South Dr. Asad Ejaz Malhi pointed out that the lack of awareness regarding the consequences of these was the reason many people use it and are at a risk of inferring these illnesses. He appreciated the initiative undertaken by the university and urged the officials to inculcate healthy habits.

The session included speeches by the Dean SIOHS, Professor SIOHS and others. Oral checkups were also carried out by the faculty who were assisted by the students.