New Study Links Meal Gaps to Increased Throat Cancer Risk

A recent study from Guwahati reveals that extended intervals between meals can significantly increase the risk of hypopharynx cancer. Conducted by the Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute and the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, the research highlights that individuals with meal gaps of five hours or more, especially those who smoke or use tobacco, face nearly three times the risk. Interestingly, the study found no significant link between tea consumption and cancer risk, which is notable for Assam's tea-drinking population. The findings stress the importance of lifestyle modifications in cancer prevention, particularly in a region with high hypopharynx cancer rates.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 24, 2025, 09:42 IST

Significant Findings from Local Cancer Research

Guwahati, Dec 24: Research conducted by the Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) has revealed that extended intervals between meals can notably elevate the risk of hypopharynx or throat cancer.

The study indicates that individuals who typically experience a gap of five hours or more between meals, especially if they consume tobacco or smoke during this time, are nearly three times more likely to develop hypopharynx cancer. Furthermore, each additional hour without food correlates with a 46% increase in risk.

Conversely, a higher intake of citrus fruits and leafy greens has been shown to offer significant protective benefits.

While a previous study in Iran identified hot tea consumption as a risk factor for esophageal cancer, the current research did not find a significant link between tea drinking and hypopharynx cancer risk, which is noteworthy given Assam's tea-drinking culture.

This study has been accepted for publication in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, a peer-reviewed journal associated with the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Dr Lipi Mahanta, who led the study and is formerly associated with IASST's Mathematical and Computational Sciences Division, emphasized the importance of these findings.

Dr Tashnin Rahman, a Professor of Head & Neck Surgery at BBCI and a contributor to the research, noted that the prognosis for hypopharynx cancer is generally poor compared to other head and neck cancers. "Our institute sees over 700 hypopharynx cancer patients annually. While radiation therapy is the standard treatment for early-stage cases, many patients who do not respond may require salvage surgery, which can result in the loss of their natural voice. Therefore, lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention," Dr Rahman stated.

Dr Manigreeva Krishnatreya from the Department of Cancer Epidemiology at BBCI highlighted that the incidence of hypopharynx cancer in Assam and Northeast India is among the highest globally. "This is the first epidemiological study linking prolonged meal intervals to hypopharynx cancer risk in our demographic. There are very few case-control studies on this type of cancer in our region, where both cancer patients and healthy individuals are compared," Dr Krishnatreya explained.