Exploring the Genetic and Environmental Factors Contributing to Ovarian Cancer in Women in Mumbai, India

Year : 2025 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 03 | Page : 12 17
    By

    Atul Khajuria,

  • Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Stephen Monday,

  • J. Samuel Kamanda,

  1. Director, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  4. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: Ovarian cancer incidence in Mumbai has risen by 30% over the past decade, with an age-standardized rate of 9.1 per 100,000 women, contrasting stable trends in Western nations. This study investigates the interplay of genetic and environmental factors driving this disparity in Mumbai’s diverse population. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted at a hospital, enrolling 200 epithelial ovarian cancer cases (aged 30–70 years) and 400 age-matched controls. Germline genetic testing (BRCA1/2 and 25 homologous recombination genes) was combined with geospatial environmental exposure assessments (PM2.5, dietary carcinogens, occupational hazards) and socioeconomic analyzing. Gene-environmental interactions were evaluated using multiplicative models. Results: Genetic Factors: 21.0% of cases carried BRCA1/2 mutations (BRCA1: 14.0%; BRCA2: 6.0%), with 13.0% having other HR gene mutations (notably RAD51C: 4.0%). Environmental Exposures: Significant associations included high PM2.5 (OR = 2.95; 95% CI: 2.07–4.20), processed meat consumption (OR = 2.92; 2.05–4.16), and biomass fuel use (OR = 2.79; 1.87–4.16). Gene-Environment Interactions: BRCA carriers with high PM2.5 exposure had 6-fold increased risk (OR = 6.12; synergy index = 1.98; p = 0.01). Socioeconomic Disparities: 35.0% of cases were from low-SES backgrounds (vs. 10.0% controls; p < 0.001), with spatial clustering in northern industrial wards. Conclusion: Ovarian cancer in Mumbai reflects synergistic effects of population-specific genetic susceptibility (e.g., elevated RAD51C mutations) and urban environmental carcinogens (e.g., air pollution, processed diets), disproportionately impacting low-SES communities. Findings advocate for precision prevention strategies integrating genetic counseling and environmental mitigation in high-risk groups.

Keywords: ovarian cancer, BRCA mutations, gene-environment interaction, air pollution, socioeconomic disparities, Mumbai

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology ]

How to cite this article:
Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Exploring the Genetic and Environmental Factors Contributing to Ovarian Cancer in Women in Mumbai, India. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2025; 14(03):12-17.
How to cite this URL:
Atul Khajuria, Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday, J. Samuel Kamanda. Exploring the Genetic and Environmental Factors Contributing to Ovarian Cancer in Women in Mumbai, India. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology. 2025; 14(03):12-17. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjooh/article=2025/view=232962


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 03
Received 29/04/2025
Accepted 15/09/2025
Published 25/11/2025
Publication Time 210 Days
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