Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Sep 5: Blood cancer, medically known as hematologic cancer, is emerging as a growing health challenge in the world, along with Jammu and Kashmir.
Experts warned that lifestyle changes, environmental pressures, and limited awareness may contribute to a sharp rise in cases if preventive measures are not taken seriously.
They said blood cancer affects the production and functioning of blood cells, originating in the bone marrow where blood is formed. Abnormal growth of blood cells, particularly white blood cells, weakens the immune system and affects oxygen transport.
They explained that the three main types of blood cancers include leukaemia, which affects blood and bone marrow, lymphoma, which impacts the lymphatic system and myeloma, which targets plasma cells in bone marrow.
Dr Mohammad Ashraf Mir, an oncologist, said that 8–10% of all cancer cases in the UT are blood-related and tertiary care centres in Srinagar and Jammu have reported a steady rise in referrals.
“Over the past decade, we have seen a gradual rise in hematologic cancers among both young and elderly patients. Factors such as lifestyle, pollution, and genetics are playing a role,” he said.
The Kashmir Valley, already known for high rates of gastrointestinal cancers, is now witnessing a growing burden of blood cancers, especially in men aged 30–60 years.
Doctors explain that while the exact causes of blood cancers are not always clear, several risk factors have been identified as genetics, radiation that may be natural or medical exposure, chemical exposure that is ong-term contact with pesticides, benzene, or industrial chemicals and immune system weakness that comes usually due to chronic infections or autoimmune conditions and lifestyle that is smoking, alcohol, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.
In J&K, doctors highlight the role of pesticide exposure in orchards, air pollution, and contaminated water sources as major environmental contributors.
“If untreated, blood cancer can damage the immune system, cause recurrent infections, anaemia, and bone weakness, lead to life-threatening complications and treatment typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drugs, and in severe cases, bone marrow transplants.” Dr Ashraf said.
While not all cases can be prevented, early detection and healthy practices can reduce risks, he said, adding that regular medical check-ups, especially for those with a family history and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants while avoiding tobacco and alcohol and safe handling of pesticides by farmers and orchard workers using protective gear are key.
Doctors said that awareness drives on early symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, fever, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, or abnormal bleeding, need to be checked at the earliest.
Doctors urge the J&K administration to strengthen oncology facilities in district hospitals, make chemotherapy more affordable and accessible and establish bone marrow transplant centres in all GMCs.
“Cancer is not always a death sentence if detected early. What J&K needs is awareness, timely diagnosis, and local treatment facilities,” they said.
