PANAJI
A ten-year epidemiological study to investigate genetic, environmental and lifestyle/ behavioural factors contributing to the incidence in Goa of some common non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart diseases, was launched by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) on Tuesday.
The study is targeting a massive sample size of approximately one lakh participants and the DHS has taken on board Tata Memorial's Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Mumbai and Nuffield Centre for Population Health, University of Oxford for the execution.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the launch of the Study -- GOA CARES (Goa Cohort Study for Assessment of Risk & Epidemiology of NCDs) -- on Tuesday at the State Secretariat.
The study will cover one lakh participants equally divided between male and female subjects. Field work will involve enumerators from the DHS collecting each individual's blood samples for genetic and biomarker analysis. There will be regular follow-ups to track NCD incidence, lifestyle changes and disease progression for those affected by NCDs.
Experts meanwhile, were unanimous that the study is a path-breaking initiative and will propel Goa as a leader in medical research in the country.
Dr Bandekar said, its findings could solve the mystery of increasing incidence of myocardial infractions among a younger demographic being witnessed in Goa and also give valuable insights for public health strategies in the future.
Four sites in Goa -- Valpoi, Sanquelim, Canacona and Margao -- have been zeroed in to pick the participants, from the age group of 25-70 and of diverse socio-economic backgrounds using the longitudinal prospective cohort approach.
The laboratory testing will be carried out by Dr Dixit's team at the Tata Memorial's Cancer Epidemiology Centre while the University of Oxford will be mentoring the project and providing study advisory support, data analytics, research collaboration besides funding assistance.
Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, IAS, Health Secretary Arun Kumar Mishra, Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar, Health Director Dr Roopa Naik and oncologist Dr Shekar Salkar were among those present.
Professor Sarah Lewington of Oxford University and Dr Rajesh Dixit, Director of the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology at Tata Memorial Hospital also attended.
