Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Nov 15: The Department of Radiation Oncology at GMC-associated hospital Janglat Mandi Anantnag has registered approximately 1,000 cancer patients in the last three years, reflecting a concerning rise in cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir.
A cancer awareness event was held at GMC Anantnag. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Faizan Gul highlighted the department’s efforts, saying that over 1,200 chemotherapy sessions were completed at a cost of over one crore rupees, and were provided free of cost to most patients under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
Principal GMC Anjum Farhana said there is a need for collective efforts to raise awareness and work towards a cancer-free society.
Dr Shahid Bashir Wani discussed immunotherapy and emerging trends in oncology and said that significant advancements in cancer treatment have emerged in recent years due to which survival rates have increased.
Dr Prof Mohammad Ashraf, the head of the Department of Radiation Oncology, stressed the importance of early cancer detection for successful treatment.
“With advanced techniques, cancer can be detected at an early stage when it is more treatable and when the chances of survival are much higher,” he added.
Several oncologists at the event highlighted the critical role of awareness and early detection in combating cancer. They said currently, at least 50 percent of cancers are treatable, with some even in advanced stages. The speakers said that early diagnosis, prevention and effective treatment are all integral components in combating cancer.
The doctors said lifestyle adjustments, including diet and physical activity, are critical to prevent cancer.
According to hospital authorities, around 6,000 patients have been registered at the Department of Radiation Oncology, SMHS Hospital GMC Srinagar since 2017. The Regional Cancer Center at SKIMS Soura registered approximately 14,000 new cancer patients in the last three years as a total of 4,737 cancer cases were reported in the year 2021, up from 3,840 cases of cancer in 2020 while 5284 new patients were registered in year 2022.
According to data from the Union Health Ministry, 51,577 cases of cancer were reported in J&K in the last four years (2019-2022) with 12,396 in 2019, 12,726 cases in 2020, 13,060 cases in 2021, and 13,395 cases in 2022.
A total of 35,623 people in J&K died with cancer between the years 2018 and 2022 that is 6824 cancer patients were reported to have died in 2018; in 2019, 7003 deaths were reported; in 2020, 7189 deaths were reported; in 2021, 7211 deaths were reported; and in 2022, 7396 cancer patient fatalities were reported.
A 2012 study of SKIMS attributed the rising cancer incidence to “dietary practices and lifestyle choices” as well as the intake of foods with high salt content.
