Bhubaneswar, May 31 -- World No Tobacco Day is being observed on Sunday in Odisha with renewed focus on raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Health experts continue to highlight tobacco as one of the leading preventable causes of serious diseases, including cancer. According to available data, nearly 45 per cent of all cancer cases reported in India are linked to tobacco consumption. Almost half of cancer patients develop the disease due to the use of bidis, cigarettes, gutkha and zarda.

Tobacco use is particularly associated with oral and lung cancers, making awareness and prevention efforts critical in reducing the disease burden.

The observance trace...