A Tragedy in Numbers | Breast cancer claims 2 lives daily in J&K

Srinagar, Feb 23: When 39-year-old Saima (name changed) lost her elder sister to breast cancer last year, the family was still grieving the death of her cousin from the same disease a few months ago.

She had watched them endure immense suffering during the last painful months as the insidious disease consumed their health, strength, and eventually life.

Two precious lives were lost within months in the prime of their youth – just as over 700 other women lose their battle to breast cancer every year in Jammu and Kashmir.

The latest statistics reveal a shocking fact that on average, 2 female patients succumb daily to the dreaded C-word in J&K.

Behind each number hides a story of dreams unfulfilled and families devastated.

Saima still shudders at the memories of her sister and cousin’s losing struggle – their hair falling off, their pain reflecting through sunken eyes even as they tried to reassure other family members.

She lives in constant fear after having seen death from close quarters – anxiety of that yearly mammogram report triggering the same agony for her loved ones.

Breast cancer has assumed alarming proportions in J&K with the latest statistics revealing both rising incidence of cases and deaths among women in the union territory.

As per official data, an average of two patients lose the battle with the disease daily.

The government data reveals that in 2023 alone, 732 women died of breast cancer in J&K.

This implies two women succumbed to the illness daily on average last year.

Also, in the 5 years between 2019 and 2023, a total of 2024 women lost their lives to breast cancer in J&K - a worrying statistic.

The number of deaths increased steadily year-on-year: 732 in 2023; 712 in 2022; 694 in 2021; 674 in 2020; and 654 in 2019.

Experts believe this upward trend in mortality figures is a cause for serious concern.

Alongside, fresh cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women also witnessed a spike.

As per records, 9321 women tested positive for breast cancer in J&K during 2019-2023.

The yearly breakup highlights the surging incidence - 1967 new cases in 2023; 1915 in 2022; 1,864 in 2021; 1812 in 2020; and 1,763 cases diagnosed in 2019.

The doctors have expressed alarm over the data indicating that besides more cases being reported, lack of timely diagnosis, and access to quality treatment is also leading to a higher number of deaths annually.

Senior Consultant Breast, Colorectal and Peritoneal Surface Malignancies, Dr Shabnam Bashir said, “Breast cancer is on the rise globally and in Kashmir as well. There are many contributing factors, including lifestyle changes. Breast cancer is the number one cancer killer among women. It is often called a disease of urban populations.”

She said that as per official statistics, in urban areas, the rate is one in 22 women while in rural areas it is one in 60.

“With lifestyle changes like increased BMI, obesity, having a first child at a later age, less breastfeeding, and oral contraceptives, the risks are rising. Up to 30 percent of cancers are preventable through maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding junk food, getting adequate exercise, and other lifestyle measures,” Dr Shabnam said.

As per the Global Cancer Observatory, IARC-WHO, 2022, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer globally with estimated mortality cases of 6,65,255 for the year 2022 among females.

India ranks highest in the number of estimated breast cancer deaths with 98,337 for the year 2022.