Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Aug 4: Lung cancer—one of the deadliest and most aggressive cancers—is witnessing an alarming rise in Jammu and Kashmir, with experts warning that around 80% of these cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, especially quitting smoking.
Doctors across the region said that while smoking remains the dominant cause, other risk factors such as secondhand smoke, indoor and outdoor pollution, exposure to harmful substances like asbestos and radon, and genetic susceptibility are also contributing to the growing cancer burden in the Union Territory.
Data from SKIMS Cancer Registry and the Health Department, reveals that lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men in J&K and is increasingly affecting women. Many of these cases are detected at advanced stages due to delayed medical consultation.
Dr Imtiyaz Ahmad, a senior oncologist, said, “There’s a visible and worrying increase in lung cancer cases. Besides smoking, pollution from burning wood, occupational exposure to chemicals, and poor indoor air quality—especially during winters—are major contributors.”
Doctors underline several primary risk factors for lung cancer in the region that include tobacco smoking (cigarettes, bidis, hookah), secondhand smoke, air pollution, especially due to burning firewood in poorly ventilated homes, Occupational hazards (asbestos, silica dust, radon exposure and genetic predisposition
Dr Riyaz Ahmad, a pulmonologist, said the widespread use of firewood for cooking and heating, particularly in rural areas, emits hazardous smoke, putting non-smokers at risk too.
Dr. Zahoor Ahmad, a leading oncologist at SKIMS Soura, said, “Lung cancer has a strong correlation with tobacco use. Globally, it’s one of the top cancers in both incidence and mortality. By quitting smoking, we can prevent over 80% of lung cancer cases and significantly reduce cancer-related deaths.”
He added that Kashmir has the necessary infrastructure for the evaluation and treatment of lung cancer within the Union Territory.
One of the biggest challenges in fighting lung cancer is its silent nature. Symptoms often appear at a later stage, including persistent or worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, frequent lung infections
“Most patients approach doctors at stage 3 or 4 when treatment options are limited. Early detection is rare due to a lack of screening and awareness,” doctors said.
They said that poor air quality is putting even non-smokers at risk. “Kashmir’s deteriorating air quality, especially during winters due to the burning of biomass, is emerging as a major public health concern,” they said.
Lung cancer, doctors said, is largely preventable and key preventive measures include quitting all forms of tobacco, avoiding secondhand smoke, ensuring good indoor ventilation, using smokeless cooking fuel, occupational safety for workers exposed to chemicals and regular health screenings for high-risk groups
According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2), J&K has the 6th highest prevalence of smoking in the country at 20.8%, with Kupwara: 56%, Shopian: 52%, Anantnag/Bandipora: 49%, Budgam: 48%, Pulwama: 44%, Ganderbal: 42%, Baramulla/Kulgam: 41% and Srinagar: 38%
“Lung cancer is a silent killer, but it’s also largely preventable,” Dr Zahoor said. “We must act collectively—through policy, awareness, and lifestyle changes—to reverse this dangerous trend in Jammu and Kashmir.”
