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Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Can tobacco use cause head and neck cancer? Doctor shares early warning signs to spot
Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that develop in the upper part of the digestive tract, including areas such as the mouth, throat, and voice box. While cigarette smoking is a known risk factor, the use of tobacco in any form, smoked or smokeless, remains one of the leading causes of head and neck cancers. Also read | Head and neck cancer is emerging as prevalent concern in India. Know its causes, symptoms, who are at risk In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr. Vishal Bansal, senior consultant - surgical oncology, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, 'The risk of head and neck cancer in tobacco users is approximately 10 times higher than that of non-tobacco users and around 80% of new head and neck cancer diagnoses are associated with tobacco use.' Explaining the effect of tobacco consumption on health, Dr Vishal Bansal added, 'More than 80 carcinogens have been identified in tobacco products. These carcinogens are otherwise known as mutagens. These agents cause disruption of DNA structure through DNA adduct formation, leading to multiple mutations in the body and thus causing cancers. With high prevalence and male predominance, the socio-economic impact of head and neck cancer is profound.' Also read | Lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer: Here's how 'Chronic tobacco users develop lot of changes in their oral cavity and throat. They often experience different symptoms over a period of time. Subtle changes like slight depigmentation to extensive scarring and fibrosis can be there. Dental problems are also more common in tobacco users. Soreness in throat, voice changes and chronic cough are commonly experienced by chronic smokers,' the oncologist highlighted. Here are the early warning signs to be aware of: 'If you are a tobacco user and experience any new symptom, immediate medical help should be sought. Simple clinical examination of oral cavity and examination of throat by a telescope (Hopkins) on OPD basis can detect most of the head and neck cancers. Head and neck cancer, if detected early, have very high cure rates,' explained Dr Vishal Bansal. Also read | Head and neck cancer: The lesser known facts Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Rajasthan steps up security measures, imposes blackout from 9pm to 4am in border districts
JAIPUR/JODHPUR/JAISALMER: Amid heightened tensions following Pakistan's attempted attack on 15 military installations in northern and western regions, including three air force bases in Rajasthan, the state govt has initiated a series of precautionary measures. These include blackout in border districts, suspension of leaves for police personnel, school closures, and a ramp-up of ground and aerial security administrations in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar have enforced a nightly blackout from 9pm to 4am, which will continue till further notice. Residents in these areas have been instructed to remain indoors, turn off all lights, and to avoid any outdoor movement during blackout hours. Residents are also advised to stockpile essential rations and keep important documents handy in case of emergency evacuation blackout is part of a larger security plan meant to reduce visibility in border towns and minimise potential threats. Illuminated boards, banners, and signages have also been ordered to be taken down. Anyone found violating the blackout norms could face legal alert residents, the district administration will use a two-phase siren system. The first siren, lasting around two minutes, will signal the start of the blackout. No lights are to be turned on until the second siren indicating the end of the alert period. Officials emphasised that these measures are purely precautionary and urged the public not to panic, cooperate fully, and report any suspicious activity, object, person, or drone to the nearest police station, Army post, or BSF Thursday, the state police cancelled all types of leaves for personnel across the state. In a directive issued by ADGP Vishal Bansal, all police officers, including range IGs, commissioners, district SPs, DCPs, and commandants, have been ordered to ensure that no personnel go on leave unless approved in cases of directive is aimed at maximising deployment and readiness across the state. In Bikaner range, IG Omprakash confirmed that drones have been completely banned in border areas. Police and other security agencies have intensified patrolling to protect civilians and deter any threats. He appealed to residents to remain alert and immediately report any unusual district collector Tina Dabi reaffirmed the blackout order and said the restrictions were necessary in light of current circumstances. Similar announcements have been made by administrative officials in other affected districts. All govt and private schools, including CBSE-affiliated institutions, madrassas, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centers, have been ordered shut in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Sriganganagar and Jodhpur and all examinations have also been put on hold until further orders. University exams in Jodhpur's Jai Narayan Vyas University have also been indefinitely the aftermath of Pakistan's failed attack on Phalodi, SP Pooja Awana said security has been stepped up across the region. As per the district administration's directives, all hospitals have been directed to ensure essentials, including electricity, water, and fuel. Shops and hotels have been directed to down their shutters by 10pm and district collector Harji Lal Atal has directed private blood banks to keep sufficient stock of blood."We have ordered 450 beds to be reserved across all hospitals in the district, including Phalodi District Hospital. Sufficient blood stocks, ICUs, ambulances and oxygen cylinders are being kept in readiness, and all leaves have been cancelled forthwith. Hospitals have also been instructed to keep generators ready for power backup," said have also been issued to reserve around 400 beds in 26 private hospitals across the district with their cooperation. Arrangements have also been made for emergency shelter in approximately 25 buildings in Phalodi and Bap.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Blackouts, curfews, no leave, no lapse: Full-scale emergency mode at borders
View of a blackout at the Golden Temple premises, amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan, in Amritsar. Nightly blackouts, curfews, and mass leave cancellations for medical and security personnel were imposed Thursday as Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat fortified their Pakistan frontier. Rajasthan imposed power blackouts for the second consecutive night in Barmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, and Jodhpur, adjusting the timing from the previous midnight to 4am schedule to a new window of 9pm to 4am. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said India foils Pakistan's attack on Jammu airport: What we know so far Residents have been ordered indoors, instructed to shut off lights, and warned against outdoor movement. Sirens will signal blackout start and end. Violations could lead to legal action, officials said. All schools, coaching centres, madrassas, and anganwadi centres in affected districts, including Jodhpur, are closed. Exams in Jai Narayan Vyas University have been postponed indefinitely. Rajasthan police suspended all leave. "All personnel, from IGs to constables, must remain on duty unless urgent leave is sanctioned," said ADG Vishal Bansal. IG Omprakash said drone activity is banned in border areas and intensified patrolling is underway. In Barmer, district collector Tina Dabi stressed the necessity of restrictions given current tensions. Hospitals across Phalodi district and nearby areas are on standby. "We have reserved 450 beds across all district hospitals, ensured blood supply, ICU readiness, power backup, and suspended all medical staff leave," said collector Harji Lal Atal. Twenty-six private hospitals have contributed 400 additional beds, and 25 emergency shelters have been readied. In Punjab, blackout orders are in effect in Gurdaspur from 9pm to 5am. Power was snapped in Ferozepur at 2.30am Thursday, sirens wailed at 4am, and supply resumed at 6.30am. Shelling and explosions in Amritsar Wednesday night have suspended all joint ceremonies with Pakistan at Wagah, Hussainiwala, and Sadiqi indefinitely. "No public will be permitted, keeping in view safety," said a BSF spokesperson. This includes Beating Retreat ceremony, performed daily by BSF and Pakistan Rangers at Attari-Wagah border-crossing. Residents in border villages are preparing shelters, moving valuables inland, and securing livestock. "People are building safe zones inside homes, drawing from past war experiences," said a local official. Panic buying surged in Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. Jalandhar DC Himanshu Aggarwal urged calm and warned against hoarding. "Strict legal action will be taken against those found guilty," he said, directing stores to curb bulk sales. Punjab and Haryana governments cancelled all leave for police, healthcare, and fire department personnel to ensure uninterrupted emergency services. Health departments in both states have been instructed to maintain full staff presence and stock essential medicines, while civil surgeons and CMOs were told to stay on alert for any health crisis. Rajasthan also cancelled leave for doctors, paramedics, and support staff. Principal secretary Gayatri Rathore said district hospitals must remain on full alert. "Asha, ANM, and CHO workers are to list vulnerable people in border villages for monitoring," she said. District CMHOs must maintain supply of blood, oxygen, medicines, and ensure ICU functionality. Gujarat placed Banaskantha, Patan, and Kutch districts under heightened alert. A drone-like object was found Thursday near Khavda in Kutch, prompting investigation by armed forces. "Special evacuation plans for vulnerable villages are in place," an official said. (Inputs from Nitesh Kumar, Ajay Parmar, Vimal Bhatia & Intishab Ali in Rajasthan; Neel Kamal & Yudhvir Rana in Punjab; Kapil Dave in Gujarat)
NDTV
08-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Leaves Of Police Personnel Suspended In Rajasthan Amid Heightened Tensions
Jaipur: Amid the prevailing tense situation due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Rajasthan Police Headquarters on Thursday issued a statewide alert and suspended leaves of all police personnel until further notice, an official said. According to the official order issued by ADG Law and Order, Vishal Bansal, any leave granted will now require prior approval from the respective district Superintendents of Police (SPs). The directive emphasises the need for full force deployment and preparedness in light of the current security scenario. An official email communication outlining these instructions has been sent to all SPs, Deputy Commissioners of Police, and Commandants across all districts. The leave suspension order will remain in effect until further notice. In the wake of the Indian Army's "Operation Sindoor" launched in response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, Rajasthan Police have significantly tightened security in districts bordering Pakistan. As part of the enhanced vigilance, all types of leave for police personnel have been suspended with immediate effect, said officials. Additional Director General of Police (Administration, Law and Order) Vishal Bansal issued strict instructions on Thursday via official communication to all Range IGs, Police Commissioners, District SPs, DCPs, and Commandants. The order mandates that no leave shall be granted to any police personnel except under exceptional circumstances, and even then, only with the explicit approval of the District SP, DCP, or Commandant. While leave restrictions have been informally imposed since the Pahalgam attack, this official directive formalises the suspension of all leave in light of the current high-alert situation and increased tension along the border. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. All police officers have been instructed to stay stationed at their respective headquarters and remain on standby 24x7 to respond promptly to any emergency arising from the evolving situation.
