Amit Sreen1, Harinder Pal Singh2, Vivek Guleria3, Niket Verma4
BACKGROUND
Gallbladder cancer and breast cancer are two common malignancies seen along
the Ganges River and the Indo-Gangetic plains of northern India, especially in the
states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Some of the postulated aetiologies include
cholelithiasis (gallstones), typhoid carrier state, dietary factors, genetic
predisposition and chemical carcinogens. Studies have also linked gallbladder
cancer and breast cancer to carcinogens in polluted rivers. We undertook this
study to investigate as to whether these conditions and gallstones were more
prevalent in populations living close to polluted rivers. We also wanted to
investigate as to whether there is any association between gallbladder cancer,
gallstones and breast cancer with river pollution.
METHODS
This was a case-control study carried out in the Department of Oncology of a
tertiary level defence hospital between 2018 and 2020. Patients who were
diagnosed as having gallbladder cancer, gallstones or breast cancer in this tertiary
institute, and were permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh or Bihar were included
in the study.
RESULTS
In this study, we found that patients with gallbladder cancer, gallstones and breast
cancer had their home closer to the river at a distance of around 53.9, 54 and
39.1 Kms. respectively compared to controls whose homes were at a distance of
76.7 Kms.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that proximity to polluted rivers is one more factor in the
aetiology of aforementioned diseases. Governmental agencies must consider
monitoring and controlling the release of pollutants from the industries into the
local nearby rivers.
