Why in the News
- New analysis calls gallbladder cancer (GBC) an “invisible epidemic” in India’s Gangetic belt, especially among women.
- Despite high prevalence, GBC is not a national health priority, poorly monitored, and driven by environmental pollution.
Key Highlights
1. High-Burden Geography
- India accounts for ~10% of global GBC cases.
- Highest incidence in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam.
2. Environmental Drivers
- Arsenic, cadmium, lead contamination in groundwater.
- Industrial effluent discharge into rivers.
- Pesticide residues, adulterated oils, contaminated fish.
- Chronic exposure through water, food, soil.
3. Gendered Impact
- ~70% of GBC patients are women.
- Factors contributing:
- Reuse of cooking oil
- Consumption of unrefrigerated food
- High exposure to contaminated water during domestic chores
- 80%+ diagnosed at Stage III/IV, when surgery is not viable.
4. Socio-Economic Burden
- Treatment costs ₹8–12 lakh → debt, treatment abandonment.
- Hotspots overlap with districts having high poverty and poor sanitation.
5. Governance Failures
- Cancer registries cover only 10% of the population → clusters remain invisible.
- Weak enforcement of pollution laws.
- No mandatory cancer reporting.
| Which of the following can be found as pollutants in the drinking water in some parts of India? (2013)
(1). Arsenic (2). Sorbitol (3). Fluoride (4). Formaldehyde (5). Uranium Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 3 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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