The number of cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir is increasing, with around 12,000 to 13,000 new cases reported each year. While this rise is concerning, doctors have noticed a positive trend: more people are getting treatment at earlier stages of the disease, which helps improve their chances of recovery.
Government data shows that new cancer cases went from 12,396 in 2019 to 13,395 in 2022, with over 13,000 cases reported in both 2023 and 2024. Encouragingly, about 20 percent of patients are now seeking help when the disease is still in its early stages.
Major hospitals in the region have seen a lot of new patients this year. The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) reported 5,200 new cases, while Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu had 1,700 cases. Other hospitals, like GMC Anantnag, GMC Baramulla, and GMC Kathua, reported 500, 100, and 80 cases, respectively. Additionally, around 500 patients visited GMC Rajouri, Doda, and other hospitals, and American Oncology Jammu treated nearly 2,000 patients.
Among men, the most common types of cancer are head and neck cancers and lung cancer. For women, breast and cervical cancers are more common. Experts say that several factors contribute to the rise in cancer cases, including tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, unhealthy diets, pollution, and a lack of physical activity.
Healthcare services have improved in recent years, making it easier for people to get cancer treatment. In the past, cancer care was mainly available at GMC Jammu, GMC Srinagar, and SKIMS. Now, new medical colleges in Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Handwara also offer specialized cancer care, helping with early detection.
The Medical Oncology Department at GMC Srinagar registers over 1,000 new cancer cases each year. The five most common cancers in the region are gastrointestinal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and ovarian cancer. Experts believe that the high rates of gastrointestinal cancer are linked to diets high in salty and fried foods. Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer for both men and women, while urban living, obesity, high blood pressure, late marriages, and delayed childbirth are thought to contribute to the rise in breast cancer cases.
At the Cancer Institute in Jammu, 5,964 patients received treatment in the indoor department last year, with an average of 400 to 500 patients visiting each month. Of these, 4,928 patients underwent chemotherapy. The institute has seen an increase in lung cancer cases among men and breast cancer cases among women. Fortunately, more awareness has led to earlier diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.
Doctors stress the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and preventive healthcare to help reduce the growing number of cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir.
