Each year May 31 is commemorated as "World No Tobacco Day". This year, CAN-STOP is organising a series of events co-inciding with this. The aim is to generate awareness about the health effects of tobacco and smoking.

Today, tobacco consumption has become integrated and accepted in our cultural milieu. Addiction to nicotine in tobacco is established in most tobacco users during the teenage years. Health consequences due to tobacco consumption has become a major public health problem, causing loss of quality of life as well as decreased productivity at the work place. Tobacco is the biggest preventable cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. In India, it is responsible for half of all cancers in men and a quarter of all cancers in women. India also has the highest rates of oral cancer in the world.

This years WHO theme for World No-Tobacco day (May 31st) is “Smoke Free Environment�. In this regard Can-Stop proposes to hold a number of events to bring about awareness and commemorate World No-Tobacco day.

Rock is Bac: music concert featuring Thermal and a quarter, Junkyard Groove and Easy street at YMCA, Nandanam on the 26th from 6.30 pm onwards. This will serve as a platform to reach out to the 15-25 age group on the message of a smoke free environment.

Sticker Campaign: Stickers supporting anti-tobacco slogans will be distributed to motorists around the city.

Tar Wars: To create public awareness on the hazards of smoking at city parks of Chennai.

Photo Exhibition: An exhibition of photographs by eminent photographer Sharad Haksar. The exhibition is intended to raise awareness on the effects of tobacco consumption and their hazards.

Cycle Rally: “Kids for Kids� a cycle rally involving children from various city schools who will take part in the rally in support of children with cancer. This event is planned for the end of June once schools are re-opened.

Oral cancer screening camp: a free screening camp for the general public so that any individuals with cancerous lesions/pre-cancerous lesions can get timely advice and treatment information and improve their prognosis by early diagnosis. Please Register with Can-Stop and obtain FREE consultation at S.M.F.- Dental Department From 9am-12am; 28th May to 2nd. June 2007.

For any further information or queries: CANSTOP HELPLINE: 2628-4256