Genetic Factors Contributes to Large Intestine Cancer : Dr Harsh Seth

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Large intestine cancer in Arunachal Pradesh cannot be attributed solely to smoked food and dietary habits, as hereditary genetic conditions such as Lynch Syndrome can also significantly increase the risk of developing the disease, said Dr. Harsh Seth of the Institute of Human Genetics, Ahmedabad.

Dr. Seth was interacting with a nine-member media delegation from Arunachal Pradesh during a Press Tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Itanagar.

Explaining the condition in simple terms, Dr. Seth said Lynch Syndrome is a hereditary genetic disorder that substantially increases the risk of cancers of the large intestine, uterus and stomach. Since the condition can be passed from parents to children, individuals carrying the condition have a 50 per cent chance of passing the altered gene to each child.

Dr. Harsh Seth, Institute of Human Genetics, Ahmedabad

He emphasised that when Lynch Syndrome is identified in one member of a family, other family members should also undergo appropriate genetic counselling and screening, enabling early detection and preventive measures.

During the interaction, Dr. Seth also showed the delegation the DNA laboratory facilities where biological samples are examined and explained how genetic testing can help identify hereditary cancer risks at an early stage.

He stressed the need for greater genetic screening and dedicated family-history clinics or OPDs in hospitals in Arunachal Pradesh to identify people who may be at higher risk of hereditary cancers.

Dr. Seth also expressed his willingness to consider visiting Arunachal Pradesh to participate in awareness programmes and camps aimed at increasing public understanding of hereditary cancer and genetic screening.

While discussing cancer prevention, he said that cancer risk generally increases with age and cannot be completely eliminated. However, the risk can be significantly reduced through healthier lifestyle choices and timely medical intervention.

He highlighted five key measures for reducing cancer risk:

1. Reduce red meat consumption:
Dr. Seth advised people to reduce excessive consumption of red meat and gradually replace it with healthier alternatives, including white meat such as chicken.

2. Quit smoking:
He identified smoking cessation as one of the most effective measures for reducing cancer risk.

3. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption:
Dr. Seth cautioned against alcohol consumption, particularly in view of its association with several cancers and other serious health problems. He also expressed concern over high levels of alcohol consumption in Arunachal Pradesh.

4. Stop tobacco chewing:
He highlighted chewing tobacco as a major risk factor for oral cancer and stressed the importance of quitting tobacco products.

5. Walk for at least 30 minutes a day:
Dr. Seth encouraged people to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routine, saying that a simple 30-minute walk every day can contribute to reducing cancer risk and improving overall health. He said there is no need for everyone to depend on a gym, adding that Arunachal Pradesh’s natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for walking and physical activity.

Dr. Seth also briefly referred to ongoing research concerning the potential role of low-dose aspirin in cancer prevention among certain age groups, but cautioned that aspirin should never be taken for cancer prevention without medical advice, as its use depends on individual health conditions and risks.

The interaction highlighted the importance of looking beyond environmental and dietary factors in understanding cancer in Arunachal Pradesh, while strengthening genetic awareness, family-history assessment, screening, healthy lifestyles and early detection.