Title
|
Risk factors for Esophageal cancer in Northeast India: A Case-Control Study (ECCS) Study design / Type : Questionnaire based survey |
Principal Investigator
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Dr. Caleb Harris |
Participating Centres
|
|
Number of participants
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Cases-180 to 200; Controls-3 times the cases |
Status
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To be initiated |
Synopsis
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Meghalaya has the highest incidence of Esophageal cancer in the country( more than 10 times the national AAR). This could be attributed to the high prevalence of betel nut chewing behaviour in the state. The form of betel nut used in Meghalaya is called 'kwai' and is said to be more potent than other forms used elsewhere. While betel nut(areca nut) is a known carcinogen as proven in studies done in other places, including neighboring Assam, no studies have been done on 'kwai' use and its relationship with cancer in human subjects. Pre-clinical studies have proved the role of Kwai in causing cancer. |