Bengaluru, Aug. 17: Tobacco use — including smoking and the consumption of smokeless products — was linked to more than four out of every 10 cancer cases reported in Karnataka in 2025, with men facing a significantly higher burden than women, according to data from the state cancer registry.

Of the 88,813 cancer cases recorded in Karnataka last year, 35,839, or 40.4%, were attributed to tobacco use. While women accounted for a larger share of overall cancer cases, tobacco-related cancers were considerably more prevalent among men.

Of the 39,371 cancer cases reported among men, 20,652 — or 52.5% — were linked to tobacco. Among women, 15,187 of the 49,442 cancer cases, accounting for 30.7%, were associated with tobacco use.

The figures also indicate that the burden has remained persistently high in recent years. Karnataka recorded 35,235 tobacco-related cancer cases in 2024 and 34,818 in 2023.

Cancer mortality data shows a similar concern. Of the 22,583 cancer-related deaths reported in the state in 2025, 11,414 were women and 11,169 were men. However, men accounted for a larger share of deaths linked specifically to tobacco-related cancers, with 5,814 of the 10,004 such deaths. Women accounted for 4,230.

Despite the worrying numbers, Karnataka’s share of tobacco-related cancers remains below the national average. Across India, tobacco-related cancers accounted for 47.6% of all cancer cases in 2025, while tobacco-linked deaths made up 57% of cancer mortality. In Karnataka, the corresponding figures stood at 40.4% of cases and 44.3% of deaths.

The findings come amid renewed efforts by the Karnataka government to curb tobacco consumption. On August 10, the state prohibited the manufacture, storage, transportation, distribution and sale of gutkha, paan masala and other products containing tobacco and nicotine for one year. The ban also extends to products sold or packaged separately in a manner that facilitates their mixing for consumption.

Doctors say tobacco use contributes to a wide range of cancers. Dr Akshay Shivappa Kudpaje, a head and neck oncologist, said smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, khaini and other chewing preparations were strongly associated with cancers of the mouth and tongue, while smoking was closely linked to cancers of the lungs, larynx and oesophagus.

Dr R Krishnappa, Director (in-charge) of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, said certain regions with tobacco cultivation or tobacco-related occupations continue to report a significant number of cases, underlining the need for stronger public awareness campaigns.

Doctors have also expressed concern over changing tobacco-use patterns among younger people, particularly the growing use of smokeless tobacco. Dr Vivek Anand Padegal, Director of Pulmonology at a private hospital, warned that the full health impact may not yet be visible in current cancer statistics, as tobacco-related cancers often develop after years of cumulative exposure.

Early initiation, he said, could result in longer exposure and stronger nicotine dependence, making prevention and early intervention particularly important.

Health experts have stressed the need for greater awareness, especially among young people, alongside access to de-addiction support. De-addiction clinics are available at NIMHANS and other institutions under the National Health Programme for those seeking help to quit tobacco.