World No Tobacco Day 2025: Unmasking the Tobacco Threat and the Fight Against Cancer
Oct 30, 2024
Date Observed: May 31
Theme for 2025: “Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal”
Each year on May 31st, the world unites to observe World No Tobacco Day, a campaign led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco and its devastating impact on public health. Tobacco continues to be one of the leading preventable causes of disease and death globally, contributing to more than 8 million deaths annually.
In 2025, WHO brings our attention to the deceptive marketing tactics used by tobacco companies through the theme:
“Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal.”
This campaign specifically highlights how tobacco products—especially flavored, colorful, and attractively packaged ones—are deliberately designed to entice children and adolescents, thereby sowing the seeds of lifelong addiction.
Tobacco is not just a bad habit—it’s a lethal epidemic. Here’s how it devastates lives:
90% of lung cancer cases are directly caused by smoking.
It’s a leading contributor to oral, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and cervical cancers.
Smokeless tobacco (like gutka, khaini, etc.) is especially rampant in India, leading to high rates of oral cancer.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Cardiovascular diseases
Stroke
Compromised immune function
Pregnancy-related complications
Over 267 million tobacco users
1 million+ deaths per year due to tobacco use
Tobacco accounts for 45% of all cancers in men and 17% in women
In states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, tobacco usage among youth is increasing due to poor regulation and targeted advertising
The WHO is drawing attention to how flavored tobacco, e-cigarettes, and attractive packaging are misleading the youth into believing these products are harmless or less dangerous.
These manipulative strategies include:
Fruit and candy flavors to attract minors
Colorful packaging resembling candy or mints
Use of social media influencers to glamorize usage
Marketing disguised as “harmless alternatives” like vapes or hookahs
The goal is to mobilize parents, educators, doctors, and lawmakers to take a stand and ban youth-focused tobacco marketing and enforce stricter regulations.
In the frontline battle against tobacco-related diseases, Dr. Sumant Gupta, one of India’s most renowned oncologists, leads with expertise, compassion, and relentless dedication.
Director & HOD – Metro Cancer Institute, Faridabad
Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology, Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation
Over 16 years of experience in diagnosing and treating complex cancer cases
Pioneer of Faridabad’s first successful Bone Marrow Transplant
An acclaimed figure in national and international medical research with several publications
Tobacco-induced cancers (oral, lung, esophageal, bladder)
Hematological malignancies (leukemia, lymphoma)
Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy
Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplants
Personalized patient care with empathetic counseling
State-of-the-art cancer treatments at Metro Hospital
High success rates in early and advanced-stage cancer care
Active participation in anti-tobacco awareness campaigns and preventive oncology initiatives
📍Book an Appointment Today
📞 Call: +91 9818628242
🌐 Visit: drsumantgupta.com
Tobacco addiction begins not in adulthood, but in adolescence, often encouraged by peer pressure and advertising. This is why awareness is key to prevention.
Educate children and youth about the dangers of tobacco use
Support anti-tobacco legislation and youth protection laws
Encourage tobacco users to seek help and counseling
Promote healthy alternatives—sports, hobbies, fitness programs
Support organizations and doctors like Dr. Sumant Gupta who are actively fighting this battle
“Cancer caused by tobacco is preventable. A single puff can be a gateway to decades of suffering. As an oncologist, I see firsthand how tobacco destroys lives. On World No Tobacco Day, I urge every family to stand united against tobacco and protect our future generations.”
— Dr. Sumant Gupta
World No Tobacco Day is not just about abstaining from smoking for a day—it’s a reminder that every day is an opportunity to choose health over harm.
By uniting efforts—from global health leaders to local oncologists like Dr. Sumant Gupta, and from schoolteachers to policymakers—we can truly make a difference.
Let us work together to unmask the lies, empower the youth, and create a tobacco-free future for generations to come.
Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024
Oct 30, 2024