50,000 new cancer cases reported in Kashmir in 7 years

Srinagar, Jan 3: Kashmir is grappling with a growing cancer burden, with a staggering 49,804 new cases detected over the past seven years.

The region has witnessed a steady rise in cancer detection, with a significant spike in recent years.

The Population-Based Cancer Registry, PbCR, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been established at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, and provides holistic and real-time data on various malignancies.

According to its data, the number of cancer cases detected in Kashmir has been increasing steadily since 2018.

That year, 6649 cases were detected, followed by a slight drop to 6374 in 2019 due to the prevailing situation in the region after Article 370 changes.

The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted cancer detection, with 6113 cases reported in 2020.

However, the numbers began to rise again in 2021, with 7090 cases detected.

This upward trend continued in 2022, with 7486 cases reported while 8622 cases were reported in 2023.

The year 2024 saw a significant surge, with 7110 cases detected up to September 2024.

According to officials, the data for September onwards is yet to be compiled from all districts of Kashmir.  Based on the trend, with an average of 790 cases per month, the total number of cases is projected to reach nearly 9400 by the end of the year.

The SKIMS continues to be the primary centre for cancer detection in the region.

In 2024, up to December 31, a little over 5400 cases were detected at SKIMS, up from 5108 cases in 2023.

A breakdown of the data reveals that stomach cancer is the most common type of cancer among males, accounting for 19 percent of all cases.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type among females, also accounting for 19 percent of all cases.

Lung cancer is the second most common type among males, making up 16 percent of all cases, while stomach cancer is the second most common type among females, accounting for 9 percent of all cases.

Esophagus and colon cancers together account for 13 percent of all cases among males and 15 percent among females.

These statistics highlight the need for increased awareness, improved diagnostic facilities, and effective prevention strategies to combat the growing cancer burden in Kashmir.

The rising incidence of cancer in Kashmir is a complex issue, with multiple factors contributing to the trend.

Environmental and occupational factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices are all thought to play a role.

As hospitals struggle to cope with the increasing cancer burden, experts believe it is essential to prioritise cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, improved diagnostic facilities, and increased access to healthcare services.