70% Mumbai cops addicted to tobacco, finds study

A survey conducted by the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) found that 70% of Mumbai policemen are addicted to tobacco. The survey, which sampled 3,000 personnel, showed that out of the 70% policemen addicted to tobacco 35% had precancerous lesions.

CPAA executive director Anita Peters said, "(The) police occupy an important position in the community, both as law-enforcers and role models for appropriate behaviour. This survey, conducted in November 2014, was done to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use among police personnel. Sadly, we found a significant association between consumption of tobacco and occurrence of cancer and precancerous lesions among the officers."

A major reason for tobacco consumption is occupational stress. The police are regularly exposed to stress beyond the range of normal human experiences. "Seeing this dangerous health trend in policemen, we are launching an intiative called Tobacco Free Mumbai Police Station on May 22. With the support of police commissioner Rakesh Maria, CPAA will work on creating awareness and helping policemen lead a stress-free life," said Peters.

For the study, two random police units with an average of almost 200 personnel were selected. Apart from structured, close-ended questionnaire, clinical oral examination by experts for screening and diagnosis of pre-malignant oral lesions was done.

Peters added that chewing tobacco, gutkha and paan masala was more common than smoking. "Most of them have picked up the habit from their colleagues. They say that chewing tobacco helps them keep awake while they are on double duty. It also kills hunger," said Peters.

She said along with the police, CPAA is working on a programme for early intervention of tobacco cessation efforts.

"The police administration needs to find the root cause. Periodic oral health examination and health promotion strategies to sensitise these individuals play a key role in ensuring that the personnel don't go back to the flavoured addictive carcinogen laden substances. Also, involving policemen in activities to fight boredom and stress need to be undertaken," said Peters.