A groundbreaking study from the Tata Memorial Centre has uncovered crucial genetic factors that significantly increase cancer susceptibility among Indian populations, with people from the northeastern states showing particularly high vulnerability.
Northeast India Bears the Highest Burden
The comprehensive research reveals a startling finding: oral cancer can develop within just 10 years of tobacco consumption in genetically susceptible individuals. This timeframe is half of what was previously believed, as earlier estimates suggested 20 years for cancer development.
The study collected extensive samples from northeastern India, with B Borooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati playing a pivotal role in the research. This region records some of the highest incidences of oral cancer anywhere in India, making the findings especially relevant for local populations.
Dr Bibhuti Bhusan Borthakur, director of BBCI, emphasized the significance of the discovery. "The researchers have identified specific genes that make people more vulnerable to oral cancer when they consume tobacco products," he stated.
Gene-Environment Interaction Accelerates Cancer
The Genome-Wide Association Study conducted by the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology at TMC revealed striking differences in cancer development timelines. Tobacco chewers with high polygenic risk scores developed cancer nearly a decade earlier than those with low PRS ratings.
This demonstrates a powerful gene-environment interaction, where genetic predisposition dramatically amplifies the carcinogenic effects of tobacco chewing. The research provides scientific explanation for why, despite similar lifestyles, people develop cancer at different ages and rates.
"As Assam and the northeast record the highest incidence of tobacco-related cancers in India, these results are particularly relevant for our region," Dr Borthakur added. "The study also points to the need for deeper exploration of how environmental and genetic factors interact in causing cancers common in our population."
Alarming Statistics and Preventive Measures
The scale of oral cancer in India is massive, with 141,342 new oral cancer cases reported annually. Age-standardized rates reach alarming levels of 2533 per 100,000 people in several Indian states, highlighting the urgent need for intervention strategies.
Dr Sudeep Gupta, director of TMC, stressed the dual importance of genetic understanding and preventive action. He emphasized developing polygenic risk score tools for common cancers in India while maintaining focus on tobacco control.
"While genetics play a significant role, tobacco chewing remains the single most preventable cause of oral cancer," Dr Gupta asserted. "Over 80% of cases could potentially be avoided through effective tobacco control measures."
The study marks a crucial step toward personalized cancer prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk populations in northeastern India where genetic susceptibility combines with high tobacco usage rates.
