Rising Star Lecture - Tobacco control and Cessation:

Tobacco control and cessation efforts aim to reduce tobacco use and support individuals in quitting both smoking and smokeless tobacco. The ultimate goal is to decrease the burden of oral cancer and associated mortality. These objectives can be achieved through dedicated tobacco control and cessation centres that provide structured counselling and pharmacotherapy, including nicotine replacement therapies, to assist users in quitting. Although awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco is widespread, education alone has not been sufficient to significantly reduce usage. More proactive interventions, particularly behavioural counselling combined with medical support, are essential for successful cessation. Tobacco control is not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals. It requires collective social commitment, as individuals can contribute by quitting themselves or by supporting others in their efforts to quit. Even modest involvement can produce substantial public health benefits. This lecture will discuss practical approaches to tobacco control and cessation and encourage active participation in reducing tobacco-related disease.