‘J&K faces rising burden of head and neck cancers’

Srinagar, Jul 27: On the occasion of World Head and Neck Cancer Day, a leading ENT and Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist has called for greater public awareness, early diagnosis, and stronger preventive measures to tackle the growing burden of head and neck cancers in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a message marking the day, observed globally on July 27 under the theme “Raising Awareness, Inspiring Hope, Building a Better Tomorrow”, Dr Aamir Yousuf, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, said that while head and neck cancers remain a major public health concern, they are among the most preventable and curable cancers if diagnosed at an early stage.
Drawing from his clinical experience, he said the contrast between patients diagnosed early and those seeking treatment at advanced stages is striking. “Many patients are completely cured because they approach doctors when the disease is still in its initial stages. Unfortunately, many others arrive months later, when treatment becomes more complicated, expensive, and less successful. Awareness is often the deciding factor,” he said.
According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 estimates, nearly 9.4 lakh new head and neck cancer cases are reported globally every year, leading to around 4.8 lakh deaths annually. Dr Yousuf said India bears one of the highest burdens, with lip and oral cavity cancers accounting for nearly 1.44 lakh new cases and around 80,000 deaths annually. Nearly one-third of the world’s oral cancer cases occur in India, accounting for about 30 per cent of all cancers among Indian men.
He said the high incidence was primarily due to tobacco use in both smoking and smokeless forms, gutka, khaini, areca nut (supari), excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, HPV infection, and delayed medical consultation. “Nearly 70 per cent of patients in India are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed to Stage III or Stage IV, making treatment more extensive and survival comparatively lower,” he said.
Highlighting the regional scenario, Dr Yousuf said Jammu and Kashmir presents a distinct pattern of head and neck cancers. Based on studies conducted at tertiary healthcare institutions, including SKIMS and GMC Srinagar, and the team’s experience of treating over 800 head and neck cancer patients, cancers involving the thyroid, larynx, hypopharynx, and salivary glands are more frequently seen in Kashmir than oral cavity cancers.
“Increasing tobacco use, smoking, poor oral hygiene, nutritional deficiencies, and delayed diagnosis contribute significantly to the regional disease burden. Environmental and occupational exposures, particularly among farming communities, are also being studied for their possible role,” he said.
Dr Yousuf said that people should immediately consult an ENT specialist if symptoms such as persistent mouth ulcers, sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, neck swelling, unexplained ear pain, loose teeth, bleeding from the mouth, or unexplained weight loss continue for more than two weeks.
“Many head and neck cancers can be prevented by avoiding tobacco and areca nut, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining good oral hygiene, consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, receiving HPV vaccination where appropriate, and using protective equipment while handling agricultural chemicals,” he said.
According to Dr Yousuf, modern management now includes minimally invasive surgery, reconstructive microvascular procedures, precision radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and comprehensive speech and swallowing rehabilitation. “When diagnosed in the early stages, cure rates for many head and neck cancers exceed 80 to 90 per cent while preserving normal speech and swallowing functions. Early diagnosis means simpler treatment, lower costs, and significantly better outcomes,” he said.
Dr Yousuf also announced that Jammu and Kashmir will host the Foundation of Head and Neck Oncology (FHNO) Kashmir 2026 conference from September 10 to 13 at SKICC, Srinagar, bringing together leading surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and researchers from across India and abroad.
Urging collective efforts, he said: “Head and neck cancer is no longer a disease to be feared in silence. With awareness, prevention, and timely treatment, thousands of lives can be saved. Let us build a tobacco-free and healthier society where hope replaces fear and early diagnosis replaces delay.” (KNO)