A joint study by Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre, Patna, and Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found exposure to arsenic in drinking water as a possible risk factor for the development of gallbladder cancer (GBC) in high risk regions of India. The research findings have been published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, an official journal of American Association of Cancer Research. The study was carried out in large tertiary care hospitals that catered to patients across different parts of Assam and Bihar, where both gallbladder cancer and arsenic contamination in drinking water are significant public health problems.
According to the study findings, compared to residents living in regions with arsenic concentrations in the groundwater of less than 1 microgram per litre, arsenic concentrations ranging from 1 to 8 micrograms per litre in the groundwater showed a 2-times increased risk of gallbladder cancer, and higher arsenic levels (more than 9 micrograms per litre) showed even a higher risk of 2.4 times.The study assessed arsenic exposure of the study participants based on their residential history since childhood and the corresponding average concentration of groundwater arsenic at district-level. Monitoring of groundwater-sourced drinking water samples collected from tube wells for arsenic and other pollutants as undertaken by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2017-2018.
According to Dr. Krithiga Shridhar, Centre for Environmental Health at PHFI and lead scientist of the study, these findings possibly highlight a modifiable risk factor for gallbladder cancer. The study may address the Jal Jeevan Mission-2024, which is completely aligned with Sustainable Development Goals for equitable, clean, and safe drinking water, added Dr. Shridhar.
Dr. Manigreeva Krishnatreya, Medical Officer of BBCI and a Co-Investigator of the study said, long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic in drinking water can lead to discoloration of the skin, high blood pressure, heart disease, nerve conditions like numbness, etc. Now that arsenic as a possible risk for gallbladder cancer has been established, it is imperative that public health intervention in the form of removing arsenic from drinking water is the need of the hour in endemic regions of Assam and Bihar. Filtration of arsenic and other heavy metals from drinking water has inherent health benefits and could prevent cancer, further informed Dr.Krishnatreya. Dr Amal Ch Kataki, former Director of BBCI also participated in the study as one of the co-investigators.
