Cancer’s financial fallout and heartbreak in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 3: Sharik, a resident of Soura, is grappling with a double tragedy.

Not only has he lost his father to cancer last month, but he’s now saddled with overwhelming debt. Working a menial job in the private sector, Sharik borrowed heavily to fund his father’s cancer treatment, leaving him financially drained and struggling to support his family.

Sharik’s story is not unique in Kashmir, where the rising incidence of cancer is leaving countless families emotionally and financially devastated. The costly drugs and treatments are pushing many into debt and despair.

“Treatment is expensive,” says Irshad Ahmad, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer. “My family wants to provide the treatment, but the question is, for how long?”

This sentiment echoes across Kashmir as families grapple with the long-term financial implications of cancer care.

The situation is particularly dire for young patients like Irshad, who yearns for a chance to live and build a future despite crushing poverty.

His battle for survival is made even more challenging by his family’s inability to afford ongoing treatment.

A senior oncologist at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) acknowledges the significant financial burden of cancer treatment.

“There are challenges faced by the poor and underprivileged individuals who may be forced to abandon treatment due to cost constraints,” the oncologist explains. “While some support is available through organisations and government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, these often fall short. The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, has limitations. It requires hospitalisation, excluding patients who don’t need inpatient care.”

Another doctor points out the lack of health insurance in Kashmir as a major factor contributing to financial hardship.

“For most families, spending Rs 5-10 lakh on treatment is huge. Some patients abandon treatments in some cases,” the doctor states.

The crisis is further compounded by the alarming rise in cancer cases across J&K.

Over the last six years, nearly 80,000 cases have been recorded in the region.

The National Cancer Registry Programme Report shows a consistent upward trend, with 14,112 cases reported in 2023-24 alone, a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year.

Dr Zahoor Ahmad, an oncologist explains, “The continuous upward trend in cancer cases is deeply alarming. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and exposure to chemicals in food are significant risk factors fueling this crisis.”

J&K’s main healthcare institutions are struggling to cope with the influx of cases.

SKIMS has documented 44,112 cancer cases from 2013 to 2023, while SMHS Hospital reported 6379 cases between 2017 and 2023.

Adding to the challenges is the lack of adequate diagnostic infrastructure. With only one PET scan machine available in the government sector at SKIMS Soura, many patients face difficulties in accessing timely and accurate cancer diagnostics.

Experts are calling for urgent action, emphasising the need for a multi-pronged strategy.

This includes promoting physical activity, encouraging healthy eating habits, and raising awareness about the dangers of chemically contaminated food products.