Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Apr 6: Over 50,000 cancer cases were reported in Kashmir between 2018 and 2024, underscoring the urgent need for early detection, timely treatment, and preventive healthcare measures.
A Right to Information (RTI) application filed by activist Syed Adil, reveals that 22,130 cancer cases were recorded at Government Medical College Jammu between 2015 and 2025, with lung cancer emerging as the most common malignancy in the region.
According to the data, cancer incidence in Kashmir has shown a steady increase over the years: 2018: 6,649 cases, 2019: 6,374 cases, 2020: 6,113 cases, 2021: 7,090 cases, 2022: 7,846 cases, 2023: 8,124 cases and 2024: 8,355 cases
Experts note that while there was a slight dip during 2019–2020—possibly due to underreporting during the COVID-19 period—the overall trend reflects a consistent upward trajectory, raising alarm among medical professionals.
At Government Medical College Jammu, the data shows: 2015: 1,867 cases, 2016: 1,966 cases, 2017: 1,860 cases, 2018: 2,341 cases, 2019: 2,102 cases, 2020: 1,715 cases, 2021: 1,756 cases, 2022: 1,719 cases, 2023: 2,036 cases, 2024: 2,187 cases and 2025: 2,581 cases.
Among these, lung cancer accounted for 3,272 cases, making it the most prevalent, followed by breast cancer (1,756 cases) and oral cancer (1,023 cases) over the last decade.
Doctors said that lung cancer remains a major public health issue, driven largely by smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, and environmental pollution.
Globally, lung cancer constitutes about 12.4% of all cancers, while in India it accounts for approximately 5.8%, with Jammu and Kashmir reflecting similar patterns.
“High tobacco consumption, including smoking and smokeless forms, along with indoor pollution and occupational hazards, are key contributors to lung cancer cases in the region,” an oncologist said.
Experts stress that early detection significantly improves survival rates, yet many patients in J&K present at advanced stages of the disease.
“Cancer is not a death sentence if detected early. Regular screenings, awareness, and timely medical consultation can save lives,” doctors said.
They recommend: routine screening for high-risk groups, awareness about early warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, lumps, or unusual bleeding, increased access to diagnostic facilities in rural areas and preventive measures and lifestyle changes.
Experts emphasize that a significant proportion of cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications.
Key precautions include: Avoiding tobacco in all forms, avoiding alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, Regular physical activity, minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants and vaccination against certain cancer-causing infections (like HPV and Hepatitis B) along with strengthening healthcare response.
They said that there is the need for enhanced oncology infrastructure, including specialized cancer hospitals, trained personnel, and affordable treatment options within the Union Territory.
They have urged authorities to scale up screening programs, improve data collection, and invest in awareness campaigns, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
