As a follow-up to my presentation and learning at the International Photodynamic Association Conference 2023 at FINLAND, and my quest to know more about photodynamic and photo-biomodulation for the oral cavity I was invited to the “WORKSHOP on PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER” at Indore on 11th September 2023 at the Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology, Indore.
It was an opportunity to understand the diverse use of the new modality of PBM and PDT in Oral Lesions. Although PDT has been available for quite some time and I have had some successful cases with PDT for oral cancers, the new molecules with fewer side effects and ease of use is going to change the way cancer will be treated in the future.
It is also good to know that so much is being done in this field in India and many takers for this.
I got to meet some of the pioneers in this field:
Dr. Praveen Arany, Past President of WALT (WORLD ASSOCIATION OF LASER THERAPY), Oral Biologist, Biomedical Engineering and Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, University of Buffalo, USA.
Dr. Rene Jene Bensandaoun, President, WORLD ASSOCIATION for PHOTOBIOMODULATION Therapy. He is from France and promoting PBM extensively the world over with new insights and use for the same.
Dr. Digpal Darkar, President of the Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology the pioneer and probably the first in India to do PBM for his patients of Oral cancers. He has shown that it is easy to do and gives immense relief to the patients. Would be starting the course on PBM at his Institute.
Dr. Rajkumari Sachdeva, ENT surgeon and HN oncologist is using the PBM for her patients extensively. She gave a demonstration of the same.
Here, I had the opportunity to meet the Director of RRCAT, Dr. Shankar V Nakhe, who invited me to his center where extensive research is being done for oral diagnosis and treatment with optics – spectroscopy, PBM, and PDT.
The emerging technology and use of light as therapy and for the diagnosis of oral lesions it is going to change the way we treat oral lesions and cancers in the future.
As a father, it is my responsibility to protect my GOPAL, from the tobacco menace that is plaguing our society. With so much advertisement and easy availability, my little one is always at risk that he may get hooked on tobacco. E-cigarettes becoming a fashion statement in many high schools, so it becomes even more imperative that I educate my child against nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and even a single puff or chew may be enough to hook the young one. At the start, it may be a pleasure but soon it proves to be a painful death sentence. I cannot allow my GOPAL to become a scapegoat and a sacrificial goat. Tobacco is a harmful substance that can cause various diseases, such as cancer, heart problems, and lung damage. It can also affect the mental and emotional health of the user, as well as the people around them. Tobacco addiction is hard to overcome, and it can ruin lives and relationships.
That’s why I decided to educate my child about the dangers of tobacco from an early age. I wanted to instill in him a sense of responsibility and awareness and to help him make informed choices. I also wanted to be a good role model for him, by not smoking or using any tobacco products myself. I believe that parents have a crucial role in preventing their children from falling into the tobacco trap.
Here are some of the strategies that I used to protect my young one from tobacco:
– I talked to him openly and honestly about the effects of tobacco on the body and mind. I used facts and statistics to show him how tobacco can harm his health and well-being. I also explained to him how tobacco companies target young people with their marketing and advertising, and how they manipulate them into becoming addicted.
– I listened to his questions and concerns and answered them patiently and respectfully. I did not judge or criticize him for being curious or tempted by tobacco. I tried to understand his perspective and feelings and to empathize with him. I also encouraged him to express his opinions and thoughts, and to share his experiences and challenges with me.
– I supported him in developing his self-esteem and confidence. I praised him for his achievements and talents, and for his positive qualities and values. I also helped him cope with stress and difficulties, and to find healthy ways to relax and have fun. I showed him that he does not need tobacco to feel good or fit in with others.
– I involved him in activities that promote his physical and mental health. I encouraged him to exercise regularly, eat well, sleep well, and stay hydrated. I also introduced him to hobbies and interests that he enjoys, such as music, art, sports, and reading. I made sure that he had enough time and space to pursue his passions and goals.
– I monitored his exposure to tobacco in the media and in his social circle. I limited his access to movies, shows, games, or websites that glamorize or normalize tobacco use. I also talked to him about peer pressure and how to deal with it. I taught him how to say no to tobacco offers, and how to avoid or leave situations where tobacco is present.
By following these strategies, I was able to protect my young one from the tobacco menace. He is now a healthy, happy, and responsible teenager who does not smoke or use any tobacco products. He is also aware of the risks of tobacco, and he is determined to stay away from it. He is proud of himself for making smart choices, and so am I. He is a role model for his classmates. He is a proud TOBACCO MARSHAL! He has become a role model and is depicted as MASCOT ‘SRIJAY’ for ICanCaRe. He is now staying in a hostel away from me but I am confident he will not get into the trap of tobacco or vapes.
I plead to all parents to SAVE the YOUTH our future generation from disaster of tobacco. Be a TOBACCO MARSHAL and learn the 8Rs of Tobacco and the way to communicate with the upcoming generation. we invite you to join as TOBACCO MARSHAL today. Together, we can create a tobacco-free generation and a healthier world for everyone.
(The Author – Dr. Pawan Gupta M.Ch. is Director of Surgical Oncology at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Patparganj, and Noida. He is the author of the books – Win Over Tobacco Made Easy, Be Smart Do Not Start and is highly recognized for his work on Oral Cancer and Tobacco Cessation. He is the convenor for the Certified Course in Tobacco Cessation at Gujarat University, and has trained more than 1000 doctors to be tobacco cessation specialists).
Book your appointment today to start a healthy tobacco/smoke-free life with the best in class tobacco/smoking cessation experts at www.icancare.in/quittobacco or call 011-430-77695 for help. Download the ICanCaRe e-cessation app for quitting smoking and tobacco at https://app.icancare.in.
Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in the world. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, and more than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
India is the highest consumer of tobacco in the WORLD – it has the highest Oral Cancers and the highest death due to tobacco every day. With about 5500 youths starting tobacco every day and 3700 die every day. A Sustained activity at the school level will bring a change in society.
Tobacco use also harms the environment, contributing to deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and climate change. Moreover, tobacco use imposes a huge economic burden on society, as it increases health care costs, reduces productivity, and lowers the quality of life of smokers and their families.
To combat this global health threat, we need to mobilize all sectors of society, including educators. Teachers play a vital role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of young people, who are the most vulnerable to the influence of tobacco industry marketing and peer pressure. Teachers can also serve as role models for their students by not using tobacco themselves and by promoting a tobacco-free culture in their schools and communities.
That is why we are launching a new initiative called TEACHERS as ANTI – TOBACCO MARSHAL. This initiative aims to empower teachers to become agents of change in the fight against tobacco. By joining this initiative, teachers will receive training and resources on how to educate their students about the harms of tobacco use, how to help them resist tobacco initiation and quit if they already use it, and how to advocate for tobacco control policies at the local and national levels.
Teachers joining this initiative will also become part of a network of like-minded educators who share best practices and experiences on implementing effective tobacco prevention and cessation programs in their schools. They will also have the opportunity to participate in various events and activities that celebrate their achievements and recognize their contributions to the tobacco control movement.
If you are a teacher who wants to make a difference in the lives of your students and your community, we invite you to join TEACHERS as ANTI-TOBACCO MARSHAL today. Together, we can create a tobacco-free generation and a healthier world for everyone.
