A dish called koi plaa made of fish, lime juice, local herbs and live red ants is a delicacy in the Isaan plateau of Thailand. However, this dish, which is quite popular and served raw, is the main cause of liver cancer in that region.
The Isaan plateau is poor and located far away from the sea, hence the population has to depend on whatever is available in that particular region, reported BBC.
Koi plaa is the dish that is made of finely chopped fish with herbs, lime juice and red ants. The dish is served raw and that makes it dangerous.
The north-eastern parts have been known to have cases of liver cancer for decades now. It has been linked to a parasite called liver flukes which are found in raw fish.
Dr. Banchob Sripa of the Tropical Disease Research Laboratory, Khon Kaen University stated that they have been studying the link for over three decades.
"We found that the liver fluke can make a chemical that stimulates a host immune response - inflammation - and after many years, this becomes chronic inflammation, which then becomes cancer," Sripa said.
The doctor said that at the university hospital they get a specific form of liver cancer case known as cholangiocarcinoma.
Out of 2000 patients, they receive per year only 200 get treated via surgery. Prevention is the best remedy for this.
Now, Sripa and team have started roping in the community leaders to let the people in the region know about the harmful effects of consuming the dish.
The campaign also focuses on using proper toilets instead of going to the lake and it brings down the number of fluke eggs.