Every year on 31 May, International No Tobacco Day, governments, organisations and individuals across the world come together to raise awareness about illnesses related to smoking and the damage it causes to both health and environment.

In Bangladesh, the message is spread on TV, across social media and the cigarette packet itself. Yet, university campuses and students remain affected by its presence. Among many students, smoking is seen as the lesser health hazard and more a symbol of stress relief, rebellion, social belonging or creative flair. But what truly sets student smokers apart is not just their attachment to cigarettes but their unwavering belief that they are exempt from the consequences. So, here are five major diseases caused by smoking and why, according to students, they will never suffer from them!

1. Lung Cancer – Globally, lung cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer which causes nearly 1.8 million deaths each year, according to World Cancer Research Fund. In Bangladesh, it is the same with tobacco or cigarettes being the leading risk factor.

Yet, this does not concern the student who lights a cigarette at a campus adda. “I only smoke when I am with friends,” they explain, as if cancer is triggered by loneliness. They create an illusion for themselves that offers them psychological immunity. If one cigarette is shared by many in an adda they believe it is harmless. The body, however, does not issue warnings before consequences begin. It does not recognise friendship as a filter.

2. Heart Disease – Tobacco use increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Even young people are not immune. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smokers are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than nonsmokers.

Yet, for the student who ensure regular attendance at the gym and has a seemingly healthy physique, this risk feels remote. “I work out. That balances it out,” is their excuse. They confidently equate nicotine intake with pt. The idea that exercise can somehow neutralise arterial damage is widespread but tragically flawed. Muscles do not mend damaged blood vessels and a treadmill cannot chase away long-term inflammation.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD is a progressive lung illness that often begins silently. It is primarily caused by smoking and leads to chronic coughing, breathing difficulties and eventual respiratory failure. WHO attributes over 3 million deaths globally to COPD each year.

Still, among students, it is often dismissed. “I only smoke when I am in stress,” is students go to excuse for smoking. In this logic, academic pressure justifies pulmonary damage. There is a belief that smoking out of stress is somehow different, less harmful and less permanent. As if death is capable of sympathy.

4. Stroke – Studies reveal that smoking significantly increases the risk of stroke, even among young adults. A study published by the American Heart Association found that smoking accelerates chances of stroke, regardless of age.

Yet students shrug it off. Their argument is “That is for people in their 50s,” as if diseases come with age limits. They believe their youth is a buffer zone, where poor choices are forgiven and consequences are delayed. But the body does keeps quiet records of every decision. And it for sure does not wait until your hair turns grey to act on them.

5. Mouth and throat cancer – Almost all cases of oral cancers are linked to tobacco use. In Asia, where tobacco and cigarettes are both widespread, mouth and throat cancer cases are alarmingly high. Even occasional smoking can cause cellular changes in the oral cavity. Heck, the horrifying images of this disease is even displayed on the packets itself.

Still, some students appear unworried. “Areh mama kicchu hobena, I will brush after” they say, as though denial can reverse mutation. The confidence is almost poetic, as if Colgate is a shield, Chhai is a cure. But oral hygiene, though important, is not a defence against oral cancer. Teeth may stay white; the cells beneath will not.   

The excuses are many. Some are humorous, some oddly logical and others dangerously naive. But beneath the satire lies a troubling reality. Smoking related diseases are not abstract threats, they are real, rising and already affecting younger people more than ever before. The illusion of temporary immunity is just that of an illusion. This International No Tobacco Day, it is time students exchanged their justifications for awareness. Whether one smokes daily or just once in a while, the damage begins quietly and continues without permission.

Therefore, stop this tomfoolery and make smart decisions.