Oncologist warns 5-minute tobacco breaks harm health

Oncologist Dr Vineet Kaul explains that a 5-minute tobacco break triggers irreversible health problems beyond stained teeth or bad breath.

Tobacco use, whether smoked or chewed, delivers nicotine and carcinogenic chemicals that damage tissues within minutes.

Health risks include cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs, and esophagus, as well as hypertension, stroke, and chronic respiratory illnesses.

Warning signs like persistent mouth ulcers, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and voice changes are often ignored, leading to advanced-stage diagnosis.

In severe oral cancer cases, procedures like mandibulectomy (removal of part of the jawbone) may be required, affecting appearance, speech, and quality of life.