Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 3: The number of cancer patients in Jammu and Kashmir is steadily increasing, with an estimated 12,000 to 13,000 new cases being reported every year. While this rise is concerning, medical professionals note a positive trend—more patients are now seeking treatment at the first stage of the disease.
Government data available reveals that in 2019, 12,396 new cancer patients were registered across Jammu and Kashmir.
This number has seen a gradual increase over the years: 12,726 cases in 2020, 13,060 in 2021, 13,395 in 2022, and over 13,000 cases in both 2023 and 2024.
Among these, approximately 20 percent of patients are now arriving for treatment at the initial stage, improving their chances of effective treatment.
In 2024, major hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir recorded thousands of new registrations. Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) alone registered 5,200 cases, while GMC Jammu recorded 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 received nearly 2,000 patients.
“The most common cancers among men in the region include head and neck cancer and lung cancer, while breast and cervical cancer are prevalent among women. Medical experts cite multiple contributing factors, including obesity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and environmental pollutants. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity are also significant risk factors,” says Dr Junaid Javid, a medico based in Srinagar.
Medicos are attributing the rise to multiple factors, including increased awareness and improved medical facilities. Previously, the treatment was primarily available at GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar, and SKIMS.
However, new medical colleges in Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Baramulla, Anantnag and Handwara now provide specialized oncology services, making early detection and treatment more accessible.
As a result, nearly 20 per cent of patients are seeking treatment at the first stage.
The Medical Oncology Department at GMC Srinagar alone registers over 1,000 new cancer cases annually. Reports reveal that the five most common cancers in Kashmir: gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer.
The high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer to dietary habits, particularly the consumption of salty and fried foods. Excessive smoking remains a major factor behind lung cancer cases in both men and women.
Furthermore, the experts believe that urbanization, obesity, high blood pressure, infertility, sedentary lifestyles, late marriages, and delayed childbirth significantly contribute to rising breast cancer cases.
At the Cancer Institute in Jammu 5,964 cancer patients sought treatment in the institute’s indoor department last year. On average, 400 to 500 patients visit monthly, with 4,928 patients undergoing chemotherapy and 432 PET scans being conducted. The institute has observed an increase in lung cancer cases among men and breast cancer cases among women. Encouragingly, patient awareness has improved, leading to earlier diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.
Medical experts stressed the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and preventive healthcare measures to curb the rising cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir.
