Nestled between the Sutlej River to the south and the Sivalik Hills to the west, the Malwa region in Punjab boasts natural beauty and geographical significance. Known as the cotton belt of India, particularly in its Southern and Southwestern parts, Malwa showcases rich agricultural landscapes.
However, alongside its scenic charm, the Malwa region has gained another, less flattering, title—the cancer belt of the country.
The Cotton Belt and the Cancer Belt of India
Makheon Meetha Malwa, as the locals fondly call it, reflects the region’s abundance and sweetness, much like honey. Encompassing districts like Bathinda, Mansa, Muktsar, Patiala, and Sangrur, Malwa exudes cultural vibrancy and agricultural prosperity.
A 2015 study, documented in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
Despite its culinary richness and cultural heritage, Malwa grapples with a daunting reality: a high prevalence of cancer. A 2015 study, documented in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, scrutinized 500 cancer patients from Punjab. Shockingly, 65% of the patients were females, with the most affected age groups being 50-54 and 60-64. Among males, those aged 65-69 and 60-64 faced the highest risk.
Breast, cervix, and ovary cancers dominated among females, while colon, esophagus, and tongue cancers prevailed among males. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma emerged as the most common histological types.
The escalating trend of cancer in Punjab rings alarm bells for public health officials and researchers alike. Despite the region’s agricultural bounty and cultural richness, the shadow of cancer looms large, demanding urgent attention and concerted efforts to mitigate its impact.
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