An analysis of cancer patient data reported at the Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital (BMCH) between 2020 and 2024 has revealed an unusual and concerning trend in cases from the Sanganer area of the state capital.
According to hospital records, 14,512 consecutive cancer patients were reported during this period at the premier super-specialty hospital. The overall male-to-female ratio among patients was 1.5:1 (3 males to 2 females).
However, within this data set, 23 patients hailed from the relatively smaller region of Sanganer. What stands out, according to Dr. Sri Gopal Kabra, Director (Clinical), BMCH, is the “very high preponderance of female patients” from this locality. Of the 23 cases from Sanganer, 15 were female and 8 male, an unusual reversal of the general trend.
“Though the number of patients (23) is too small to draw a firm conclusion, it is certainly a worrisome indicator. Researchers and health administrators must explore the underlying causes that appear to be selectively affecting the female population,” Dr Kabra said.
He noted that the Histopathology Department of BMCH is an ICMR-approved center for reporting histopathologically confirmed cancer cases to the National Center for Disease Informatics and Research, contributing to India’s Cancer Registry.
Analysis of the ICD-coded data of the 14,512 confirmed cases revealed the five most common types of cancer – Lip, Oral Cavity, and Pharynx (C00–C14): 31.55%; Digestive Organs (C15–C26): 14.90%; Breast Cancer (C50): 12.17%: Respiratory and Intrathoracic Organs (C30–C39): 11%, and Female Genital Organs (C51–C58): 8.19%
On the Sanganer findings, Dr Kabra pointed to reports of serious surface water pollution caused by toxic effluents from textile and other industries in the Sanganer municipal region of Jaipur. “This highly contaminated water is widely used for growing green vegetables,” he said.
“The unusually high number of female patients (15 compared to 8 males) raises the question: Are carcinogenic contaminants in Sanganer selectively affecting the female population? There are known hormone disruptors in these pollutants. Since females in the reproductive age group have more hormone-sensitive organs and tissues, could this explain the disproportionate female prevalence in Sanganer?” Dr Kabra asked.