Tobacco consumption in Rajasthan down by 13.5 pc

Tobacco consumption has fallen by 13.5 per cent in Rajasthan in the past 10 years.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)- IV of 2015-16, released in January this year, tobacco consumption in the state has come down to 44.8 per cent from 57 per cent in 2005.
However, the number of patients suffering from cancer, the fatal disease believed to be caused by tobacco consumption in any form, has gone up in the state in the past decade.
At least 77,000 people suffering from cancer die annually in Rajasthan compared to 72,000 annual deaths a decade before, said Pawan Singhal, associate professor at Swai Maan Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur and the state patron of the Voice of Tobacco Victims (VOTV).

Singhal said that the number of cancer patients were higher as many from adjoining states were visiting Rajasthan for treatment after upgradation of cancer hospitals.