The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: To determine from 10,648 healthy, cancer-free individuals through 11 years: (1) The incidence and types of cancers directly related to tobacco abuse. (2) The effect of educational programs. (3) The impact of early diagnosis through annual cancer check-ups on morbidity and mortality.

Methods: From 1994 to 2005, 10,648 cancer-free persons (6420 males and 4228 females) between the ages of 1-65 years were selected for this study. They were guaranteed reimbursement of expenses for the treatment of cancer up to US$ 5000 p.a. by CPAA. They were included in the group on the following conditions:

(1) Undergo compulsory annual cancer check-up, which was offered by CPAA. (2) Allow our qualified social workers to educate them about the ill effects of tobacco and smokers (1708 persons) and users of chewable tobacco (595 persons) had to agree to undergo cessation programs conducted by CPAA.

Results: 1. 76 persons (31 men & 45 women) were detected with cancer. 2. Individuals who had attended the motivational programs, the lifestyle related cancers (head & neck and cervical cancers) were significantly lower. There were no head & neck cancer in women and only 1 in men. 3. Out of reported cancers cases 52 are still alive; indicating that annual cancer screening resulting in detection of cancers in earlier stages led to better cure rates. 4. A majority of deaths were due to types of cancers where early detection does not have significant impact on survival rates.