SRINAGAR: The number of cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir is steadily increasing, with an estimated 12,000 to 13,000 new cases reported annually. While the rising figures are concerning, medical professionals note a positive trend—more patients are now seeking treatment at an early stage, improving their chances of recovery.
According to government data, 12,396 new cancer cases were registered in 2019, a number that has gradually increased to 13,395 by 2022, with over 13,000 cases reported in both 2023 and 2024. Encouragingly, around 20 per cent of patients are now seeking medical intervention at the initial stage of the disease.
Major hospitals in the region recorded thousands of new registrations in 2024. The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) accounted for 5,200 cases, GMC Jammu registered 1,700, GMC Anantnag 500, GMC Baramulla 100, and GMC Kathua 80. Additionally, around 500 patients sought treatment at GMC Rajouri, Doda, and other hospitals, while American Oncology Jammu treated nearly 2,000 patients.
Among men, head and neck cancer and lung cancer are the most prevalent, while breast and cervical cancer are common among women. Medical experts cite several contributing factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, unhealthy diets, environmental pollutants, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Healthcare infrastructure has expanded in recent years, enabling better access to treatment. Previously, oncology services were primarily available at GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar, and SKIMS. However, new medical colleges in Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Handwara now offer specialised cancer care, making early detection more accessible.
The Medical Oncology Department at GMC Srinagar alone registers over 1,000 new cancer cases annually. The five most common cancers in the region are gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. Experts link the high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer to dietary habits, particularly the consumption of salty and fried foods. Smoking remains a leading cause of lung cancer in both men and women, while urbanisation, obesity, high blood pressure, late marriages, and delayed childbirth are believed to contribute to the increasing incidence of breast cancer.
At the Cancer Institute in Jammu, 5,964 patients sought treatment in the institute’s indoor department last year. On average, 400 to 500 patients visit monthly, with 4,928 undergoing chemotherapy. The facility has observed a rise in lung cancer cases among men and breast cancer cases among women. Encouragingly, greater awareness has led to earlier diagnoses and improved treatment outcomes.
Medical experts stress the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and preventive healthcare measures to curb the growing cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir. (with KNO inputs)
