SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are witnessing a steady rise in major women’s cancers, underscoring the growing public health challenge in these Union Territories.
According to the latest figures released in the Rajya Sabha by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, based on data from the National Cancer Registry Programme of the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, the incidence of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers has increased year by year between 2021 and 2025.
In Jammu and Kashmir, breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy among women. In 2021, the state recorded 908 cases, which rose to 916 in 2022, 923 in 2023, 930 in 2024, and 938 by 2025.
Cervical cancer, while far less common, has shown a modest increase over the same period, with 70 cases in 2021, 71 in 2022, 72 in 2023 and 2024, and 73 in 2025.
Ovarian cancer, which has historically posed diagnostic challenges due to subtle early symptoms, rose from 371 cases in 2021 to 374 in 2022, 377 in 2023, 380 in 2024, and 383 in 2025.
Mortality trends follow a similar trajectory. Breast cancer deaths increased from 390 in 2021 to 394 in 2022, 397 in 2023, 400 in 2024, and 403 in 2025.
Cervical cancer mortality remained largely stable, with 38 deaths in 2021 and 2022, rising slightly to 39 from 2023 through 2025.
Ovarian cancer deaths increased steadily from 226 in 2021 to 228 in 2022, 230 in 2023, 232 in 2024, and 234 in 2025.
These numbers, though smaller than in larger Indian states, represent a continuous upward trend, highlighting the need for sustained preventive and diagnostic interventions.
In Ladakh, the numbers are smaller, reflecting its sparse population, but the pattern is similar. Breast cancer cases rose slightly from 18 in 2021 to 19 by 2022, and remained at 19 annually through 2025. Cervical cancer remained constant at 1 case per year, and ovarian cancer was steady at 8 cases per year. Deaths mirrored these figures, with breast cancer mortality stable at 8, cervical cancer at 1, and ovarian cancer at 5 annually. While absolute numbers are low, experts caution that remoteness, harsh terrain, and limited healthcare access may mask a higher burden of undiagnosed or late-diagnosed cancers.
These trends in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh reflect broader national patterns. Across India, breast cancer incidence rose from 2,13,263 cases in 2021 to 2,40,381 in 2025, cervical cancer increased from 76,898 to 79,239, and ovarian cancer from 45,217 to 49,449. Mortality followed a similar trajectory, with breast cancer deaths rising from 91,704 to 1,03,363, cervical cancer from 41,523 to 42,789, and ovarian cancer from 27,584 to 30,167. Larger states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal account for the highest number of cases and deaths, reflecting both their population size and gaps in early detection and treatment.
The government has sought to address this growing challenge through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, implemented under the National Health Mission. In addition to building infrastructure, the programme has expanded access to early detection and treatment, establishing 770 District NCD Clinics, 364 District Day Care Cancer Centres, and over 6,400 NCD clinics at Community Health Centres. In 2025-26, an additional 297 Day Care Cancer Centres were approved to strengthen district-level access. The initiative also supports 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres, along with specialized cancer facilities in all 22 new AIIMS, ensuring advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical care is available to women across the country.
A nationwide population-based screening programme targets individuals over 30 years of age for breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers. The aim is to detect cancers early, provide timely treatment, and reduce mortality, especially for ovarian cancer, which often presents at advanced stages due to nonspecific symptoms.
Health experts stress that while the numbers in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh are lower than in more populous states, the consistent year-on-year rise cannot be ignored. Breast cancer, followed by ovarian cancer, is steadily increasing, while cervical cancer, though relatively low, still requires vigilance. In Ladakh, geographic and infrastructural challenges make early diagnosis more difficult, highlighting the need for mobile screening units, telemedicine services, and outreach campaigns.
