He said May 31 of each year is set aside by the World Health organization to be observed as “World No Tobacco Day,” which is intended to encourage government agencies, communities, groups and individuals to become aware of the devastating health problems caused by tobacco and to take appropriate actions.
Information released by the WHO, shows that this year more than 6 million people will die from a tobacco-related heart attack, stroke, cancer, lung ailment and other diseases.
Yap State Cancer Registry data showed that almost half of all oral, lung and liver cancer patients are known smokers while more than half chew betel-nut with tobacco.
Yap State Public Health records show 73 percent of pregnant women in 2010 were tobacco users, which contributes to an upward trend of miscarriages, premature delivery, low birth weight and still stillborn babies.
