Kashmir Faces Cancer Surge: 44,000 Cases Recorded at SKIMS Since 2014
Srinagar November 2023;
Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura in Kashmir has witnessed a concerning surge in cancer cases. A total of 4,095 new cases were reported until September, adding to the alarming tally of 44,112 cases since 2014. The yearly breakdown reveals a steady increase, starting with 3,940 cases in 2014 and peaking at 5,294 in 2022.
Men in the region are predominantly affected by lung cancer, while women face a rising incidence of breast cancer. Key contributors to male cases include smoking, family history, obesity, and age. Recognizing the importance of early detection, health officials emphasize that prompt intervention can be pivotal in administering timely and life-saving treatments.
Cancer, being a complex ailment, is influenced by various factors, including an aging population, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and air pollution. Medical professionals stress the urgency for individuals experiencing cancer symptoms to seek medical attention promptly, underscoring the critical role of early intervention in preventing the disease from advancing and ultimately saving lives.
Despite the challenges posed by the escalating cancer cases, the medical community assures the availability of quality treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Ongoing efforts are directed towards continual enhancements in infrastructure to ensure superior patient care.
Data from the Union Health Ministry further accentuates the gravity of the situation, indicating a significant cancer burden in Jammu and Kashmir. Over the last four years (2019-2022), a total of 51,577 cases have been reported, with annual figures showing a consistent rise – 12,396 cases in 2019, 12,726 in 2020, 13,060 in 2021, and 13,395 in 2022. This underscores the pressing need for comprehensive and effective strategies to address the growing prevalence of cancer in the region.
