High hazard
The rate of stomach cancer prevalence in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir is alarming. Since the year 2000, as many as 72 cases of stomach cancer have been reported from Leh where 1,17,637 people live, according to a local surgeon. This works out to about four times the national annual average of 4-6 stomach cancer patients per 100,000 people. The data, provided by Tashi Motup, is from the records of the Sonam Nurboo Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in the district.
Earlier, in 1997, a research team at the hospital led by Tsering Nurboo had found almost 95 per cent of the population was infected with the microbe Helicobacter pylori , which is one of the main factors for stomach cancer here.
Nurboo says other factors contributing to high prevalence of stomach cancer are the severe deficiency of fresh vegetables and fruits in diet; high intake of salt (10 grammes/ per day per person) and of barbequed meat, especially in Changthang and Zanskar areas, which are responsible for majority of stomach cancer patients.
Related Content
- Order of the Allahabad High Court regarding rodents menace is SRN hospital, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 17/01/2024
- Feeding of stray dogs should not be at the cost of safety of fellow citizens: Karnataka High Court
- Air quality and climate bulletin 2023
- Order of the Calcutta High Court regarding public opposition to a solid waste management plant, Bongaon, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, 28/08/2023
- Guidelines on alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides
- Judgment of the National Green Tribunal regarding steps to be taken to protect people from the hazards of asbestos, 17/07/2023