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International Journal of Applied Research
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ISSN Print: 2394-7500, ISSN Online: 2394-5869, CODEN: IJARPF

IMPACT FACTOR (RJIF): 8.4

Vol. 1, Issue 3, Part C (2015)

A review study of Malwa region of Punjab: As cancer belt

A review study of Malwa region of Punjab: As cancer belt

Author(s)
Neeraj Godara
Abstract
The Malwa region, commonly known as the cotton belt of Punjab comprising Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Patiala, Sangrur among other districts is witnessing the steep rates in cancer cases. It has the highest average of 136 cancer patients per 1 lakh people which is exceeding the national average of 80 per lakh. This study aims to provide a review of published data on the spurt in increasing cancer cases in the malwa region of Punjab. The highest number of cancer cases among the four districts are in Muktsar, followed in order by the Mansa, Faridkot, and Bathinda districts. The results of the present study revealed that the unusually high incidence of cancer cases in Malwa region were due to the over use of pesticides. Researchers at School of Public Health in Punjab conducted a study to ascertain the correlation between pesticide use and cancer in the Punjab farming community. It revealed a statistically significant increase in cancer rates in high-pesticide areas. The only possible explanation was that the farmers were overusing pesticides and not handling the toxic chemicals safely. Labeled as ‘cancer belt’ of Punjab, the Malwa region is witnessing the steep rates in cancer cases. As revealed by the Punjab government, it has the highest average of 136 cancer patients per 1 lakh people which is more than the national average of 80 per lakh. The number of cancer patients has steeply multiplied during the past couple of years in the Malwa belt and the common people has attributed it to the excessive use of pesticides that has contaminated the underground water that they consume. It is upsetting that nearly 24,000 people in the state are confirmed cancer cases and there are three time more 84,453 people are suspected to be suffering from the deadly disease. Based on the NCRP data, it is estimated that the cancer cases which will be raised to 1,044,650 by the year 2020 which has made it an important public health issue and to tackle it would need immediate and major inputs from various agencies.
Pages: 145-147  |  1072 Views  184 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Neeraj Godara. A review study of Malwa region of Punjab: As cancer belt. Int J Appl Res 2015;1(3):145-147.
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