Cancer Causation in North Karnataka: Geographic, Dietary, and Genetic Determinants

Abstract: The paper is a survey of the causes of cancer with a regional perspective of Kalyana Karnataka and Kittur Karnataka of the Kalaburagi, Bidar, Yadgir, Raichur, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Koppal, Gadag, Dharwad and Haveri districts. It explores the interaction of geography/environment, diet, and genetic factors in influencing the regional cancer profile: semi-arid Deccan geochemistry, fluoride/arsenic-contaminated groundwater; double dietary pattern of fibre rich jowar (sorghum) staples and widespread consumption of smokeless tobacco and areca-nut; regionally high consanguinity that is associated with recessive cancer-predisposition disorders. It is based on the data of ICMR-NCRP registry, district level environmental studies and dental/oncology studies from institutions at Bagalkot and Belagavi.