Abstract:
Cancer, a disease characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread
of abnormal cells, is the second leading cause of death in world (Vay
Liang etal., 2001). In the year 2000, worldwide over 10 million new cases
of cancer was estimated with more than half of incidences reported from I
the developing countries (Parkin et al., 2001). Although estimates vary,
it was predicted that by the year 2020 there would be almost 20 million
new cases of cancer and the contribution from the developing countries
might rise upto 70%. At present nearly one million new cases are being
detected in India annually (Murthy et al., 1998). It is generally accepted
that the causes of cancer could be physical (radiation), chemical
(carcinogens) and viral (papilloma or EB virus). Cancer incidences have
also been related to environmental and life-style factors. Classic
epidemiological studies conducted by Doll and Peto (1981) showed that
environment and life style factors account for more than 60-80% of human
cancers. In India the incidence of cancers of colon, pancreas, liver and
gall bladder is rising largely due to urbanization that leads to major
changes in the diet and personal habits (Mohandas and Jagannath, 2000).
