'Mizoram, 2nd highest cancer prone zone in world'

Aizawl, Dec 31: Alarmed by the findings that Mizoram has world'ssecond highest cancer cases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)conducted a comprehensive study of the abnormal cancer growth among theMizos.

According to the report of Development of Atlas of Cancer in India(DACI), Aizawl district in Mizoram has the highest Minimal Age AdjustedIncidence Rate (MAAIR) in India among women followed by Serchhipdistrict in the state.

The study revealed that on an average about 40 people in one lakhsuffer from stomach cancer in Mizoram. This is only second to Japan.

ICMR came up with the analysis after collecting data from 105 hospitals spread over 82 districts across the country.

Talking to UNI, Chief of Cobalt Therapy of Mizoram Health ServiceDr Zothankima said, ''Union Ministry has been monitoring the disease inthe state for the past five years since Aizwal Civil Hospitalparticipated in a "Cancer in India Project" under National CancerRegistry Programme in 2001.'' He said, ''In a population of about onelakh, 82 men and 72 women suffer from cancer which is a matter ofconcern.'' However, the high incidence of stomach cancer could beattributed to either genetic aberration or environmental factors.Cancer also affects the oesophagus, lungs, breast and cervix, he said.

Cancer among the Mizos was increasing due to extensive usage oftobacco in their daily lives, Population-based Cancer Registry SeniorPathologist Dr Eric said, ''Women tobacco users do not share the samehealth risks as men but also face health consequences unique towomen.'' According to statistics, in a single year, 161 cases ofstomach cancer have been registered in Mizoram. All the eight districtsof the state have reported a high incidence of cancer cases. About 687histological proven cases, including 310 female patients, wereofficially recorded from the state.

It indicated that Aizwal district in Mizoram has recorded thehighest incidence of cancer, with 382 cases, followed by Lunglei,Champhai, Serchhip, Kolasib, Mamit, Saiha and Lawngtlai.

A finding of Population studies worldwide by experts on thesubject said, ''Cancer arise with strikingly different frequencies indifferent places. Stomach cancer is frequent in Japan, liver cancer inChina, skin cancer in Australia, leukemia in Canada, colon cancer inUSA, cervical cancer in Brazil, head, neck, uterine, cervix and breastcancer in India.'' Environment experts mentioned that thesocio-environmental factors were responsible for the abnormal growthand suggested that a study should be carried out across the North-Eastand precautionary measures should be taken.

UNI