CSK Advancing Cancer Care in Kashmir

drnazirkhan@rediffmail.com

Cancer is not just a health issue; it is an economic and social challenge that strains families

Challenge

Cancer is more than just a health crisis; it represents a profound economic and social challenge. The resources required for treatment, coupled with the need for long-term care, often place immense strain on families and societies. Yet, advancements in targeted therapies have revolutionized cancer care, offering hope where there was once despair. These therapies not only improve survival rates but also enhance the quality of life for patients, especially those in advanced stages.

The development of targeted therapies has transformed cancer treatment, offering solutions that are more effective and come with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. For example, mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements have become pivotal targets in lung cancer treatment. Targeted therapies specifically address these mutations, providing significant benefits for patients with EGFR-mutated or ALK-positive cancer.

These therapies, now the standard of care for many cancers, including blood cancers, act directly on cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. This precision reduces side effects and significantly improves patients' quality of life. For those diagnosed with advanced or even stage 4 cancers, precision medicine offers renewed hope, turning incurable stages into manageable chronic conditions. Research continues to introduce new molecules each year, making cancer increasingly a treatable condition.

Despite these advancements, access to cutting-edge cancer treatments remains a significant challenge for many. Over 80% of patients worldwide lack access to genetic testing and targeted therapies due to high costs and limited availability. In Kashmir, large segments of the population face substantial barriers to accessing these life-saving medicines. Poor affordability forces many patients into deprivation, treatment dropouts, poverty, or even premature death.

Amid these disparities, the Cancer Society of Kashmir (CSK) stands as a beacon of hope. The organization is dedicated to bridging the gap in cancer care by supporting patients who would otherwise lack access to advanced treatments. In 2024 alone, 2,781 patients visited the CSK outpatient department (OPD). Over 1,000 of these patients received chemotherapy drugs, including targeted therapies, free of cost. The expenditure on these drugs amounted to ₹4.63 crore. Additionally, more than 300 patients receive colostomy and urostomy bags free of cost each month. CSK is also making significant strides in early cancer detection. Since most patients in the region are diagnosed late—leading to expensive treatments with poor outcomes—early detection has become a cornerstone of their efforts. In 2024, the organization conducted several awareness programs in colleges across Srinagar to highlight the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. Plans are underway to expand these programs to other districts.

In terms of diagnostics, CSK has provided over 1,200 non-cancer patients with subsidized services such as upper and lower GI endoscopy, ultrasound, and hematology-biochemistry tests at 60% reduced rates. These services are offered free of cost to cancer patients, further underscoring the organization's commitment to accessibility.

While the fight against cancer is far from over, the achievements of 2024 highlight the progress being made. With continued research, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of organizations like CSK, there is hope for a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence but a manageable condition. The Cancer Society of Kashmir relies entirely on public donations to fund its life-saving initiatives. Contributions in the form of Sadaqah, Zakat, and Khairat ensure that every penny is used to address the challenges of accessibility and affordability. Your generosity can help ensure that the benefits of modern cancer care reach every deserving individual. Together, we can make cancer care accessible to all and bring hope to those who need it most.

Dr. Nazir Ahmad Khan is a Senior Consultant and Medical Superintendent, Cancer society of Kashmir Lalnagar Chanapora and Formerly Prof and Head Radiation Oncology SKIMS Srinagar