Kentuckians Encouraged to Give Up Chewing Smokeless Tobacco

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) urges Kentuckians to participate in the Great American Spit Out held Sunday, February 18 through Thursday, February 22. The DPH hopes to bring attention to the hazards of smokeless tobacco use by encouraging participation throughout the state.

The public awareness, Great American Spit Out campaign "Through with Chew" aims at increasing public knowledge of smokeless tobacco's health risks and hopes to decrease smokeless tobacco use. Similar, popular campaigns have been promoted during the Great American Smoke Out, where cigarette and overall tobacco use is targeted.

Over twenty-eight cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco users are up to fifty times more likely to have oral cancer than non-users. Oral cancer symptoms include lumps or soreness in mouth, throat or tongue, bleeding mouth sores, persistent white or red patches in the mouth, and possible difficulty chewing or swallowing food.

William Hacker, M.D., the undersecretary of Health and Family Services and public health commissioner warns "When it comes to tobacco use, smokeless doesn't mean harmless."

Mouth and throat cancers are common among smokeless tobacco users. Nearly seventy-five percent of all oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers are linked to smokeless tobacco use, cigarette use, and cigar smoking. Males are especially susceptible to mouth and throat cancer, it is the sixth most common cancer in males in the United States.

Jim Cecil, D.M.D., administrator of the state Oral Health Program for DPH offered the following information related to oral problems from the smokeless tobacco products: "The use of smokeless tobacco can also lead to other oral problems, such as mouth sores, gum recessions, tooth decay, bad breath and permanent discoloration of teeth. Once gum tissue recedes, the roots of teeth are exposed, increasing the risk for tooth decay. The roots may also become sensitive to hot and cold or other irritants, causing discomfort when eating or drinking."

A "Quit Spit Kit," sponsored by the Health Education Through Extension Leadership (HEEL) has been distributed to Kentucky schools, dentist offices, and 4-H Club extension agents. The HEEL program is designed to educate users about the hazards of smokeless tobacco use. An educational video about smokeless tobacco use along with informative brochures are included in the "Quit Spit Kit."

A "Through With Chew" Toolkit containing fifty-five pages of activities, information, and promotional items can be obtained at http://www.throughwithchew.com/

If you are a Kentucky resident, for help quitting smokeless tobacco use, call the Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669).