Linking diet, religion and cancer

Abstract

21172 Background: Consumption of onion and garlic has been shown to give protection against various cancers. Motivated by this observation we intended to look at the cancer incidence in a population belonging to Jain religion that does not consume garlic and onion due to religious belief. This study was done to see cancer incidence in children of Jain religion as compared to other religions at a single centre. Methods: It was a retrospective analysis of consecutive children less than 16 years of age diagnosed with cancer at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital from January 2005 to January 2007. We excluded adult patients with cancer as tobacco and alcohol consumption in this age group would have been confounding factors.Age, sex and religion were noted. Data from Census of India for year 2001 was used to know distribution of various religions in general population alongwith literacy rates and proportion in 0–6 years age. Results: As per 2001 Census of India , distribution of population in India as per various religions is Hindu 80.5%, Muslim 13.4%, Christian 2.3%, Sikh 1.9%, Buddhist 0.8% , Jain 0.4% and others 0.6%. Proportion of population in 0–6 year of age in India is 15.9% and as per religions Hindu 15.6%, Muslim 18.7% ,Christian 13.5%, Sikh 12.8%, Buddhist 14.4% and Jain 10.6%. Literacy rates of India is 64.5% and by religion is Hindu 65%, Muslim 59.1% Christian 80.3%, Sikh 69.4%, Buddhist 72.7% and Jain 94%. Distribution of population in Delhi as per various religions is Hindu 82%, Muslim 11.7%, Christian 0.9%, Sikh 4%, Buddhist 0.2% and Jain 1%. Total of 201 patients were diagnosed with cancer and distribution as per religions was Hindu 162 (81%), Muslim 15 (7.5%), Christian 3 (1.5%), Sikh 8 (4%), Buddhist 1 (0.05%) and Jain 12 (6%). Conclusions: Incidence of cancer in children of different religions is similar to that of proportions of population of different religions in Delhi except for Jain religion where incidence of cancer is 6 times higher despite lesser number children in 0–6 year in this population as compared to other religions . Major difference is the diet lacking in onion and garlic . Other reason could be increased literacy levels in Jain community . This link between diet ,religion and cancer in Jain population needs to be studied in a larger muticenteric setting as it has implications for the whole world. No significant financial relationships to disclose.