Love your Somtam?

[reader]

From  Pattaya Mail

 

Thais’ love of somtam is leading to higher cancer rates and deaths, the head of the Chonburi Cancer Hospital told medical professionals in Pattaya.

 

Dr. Sutat Duangdeeden was the lead speaker at the center’s 8th annual cancer seminar at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel.

 

Sutat said rates of deaths caused by cancer in Thailand have increased in recent years with 60,000 cases now reported annually. Fatality rates also are increasing.

 

While he noted that causes of cancer vary, Thais’ love of “pla ra” or raw fish used in somtam, as well as other undercooked foods are responsible for increased rates of worm infections, which can lead to liver cancer.

 

http://www.pattayamail.com/news/somtam-slowly-killing-many-thais-cancer-center-says-172563

[traveller123]

I have told my partner many times about this, and it makes not the slightest difference to his eating habits which involves pla ra most days

[Alexx]

The real shocker is that some of them also smoke, drink large quantities of Lao Khao and ride their motorbike sans helmet...

 

And yet Thailand's population is ageing rapidly.

[reader]

That's true but it's the declining birth rate accounts for the rapidly aging population.

 

Thailand birth rate per 1,000 persons:

 

[kokopelli]

My Thai bf's sister died in her early 40s from consuming this raw fish sauce.. There is some hope if people get some medical treatment which kills the liver flukes before it is too late.

[lilbob69]

I do love somtam,but never have the raw fish etc in it.

 

Although my somtam gets made by the same guys that have all the raw food.

 

So I guess there is the very real risk of cross contamination as I've never seen them rinse out the mortar (or is it the pestle, I never know)

 

I guess I'll have a chat to my Doctor at the next appointment coz I'm not giving up somtam

[kokopelli]

 

I guess I'll have a chat to my Doctor at the next appointment coz I'm not giving up somtam

That's what they all say before they die. 

[Alexx]

All I can say is that I've buried many health and fitness fetishists. Bottom line, they probably died a lot healthier than I can hope for...

[reader]

A mortician should never give up hope.