A comprehensive multicentre case-control study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia has documented strong associations between bidi smoking and elevated cancer risk across multiple tumour sites in India. Bidis—thin, hand-rolled cigarettes wrapped in tendu or temburni leaves—represent a neglected public health threat in South Asia, yet remain underrepresented in global tobacco control frameworks.
The research reveals that bidi smoking carries substantial cancer risk both as a standalone product and when combined with other tobacco use. These findings underscore an urgent need for strengthened regulatory reform and region-specific cessation interventions. Despite widespread prevalence across South Asia, bidis have historically received insufficient attention in international tobacco control policy, creating a significant gap in public health protection.
Experts emphasise that targeted regulatory measures and evidence-based cessation programmes are essential to address this emerging public health priority in the region.
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