Five cancers stalking Kashmir women

Srinagar, Feb 15: Kashmir’s cancer crisis is deepening, with women bearing a significant burden of the disease.

Doctors treating cancer in Kashmir have expressed concern over the late detection and resulting compromised outcome of treatment.

Early detection is possible, they said.

According to the Population-Based Cancer Registry (PbCR) at SKIMS Soura, breast cancer alone accounts for 18.59 percent of all malignancies in women, followed by stomach (8.63 percent), ovarian (8.09 percent), oesophagal (7.55 percent), and colon cancer (7.01 percent).

These five cancers dominate the region’s oncology landscape, driven by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

As cases rise – nearly 50,000 new diagnoses (males and females) in seven years - experts stress that early detection and preventive measures could curb fatalities.

SKIMS has detected over 5400 cancer cases in 2024, underscoring the need for urgency.

Yet, experts say 30 to 50 percent of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, and early detection can boost survival rates to 90 percent for diseases like breast cancer.

Greater Kashmir takes the readers through the top cancers afflicting women in Kashmir.

⬤ Breast Cancer

(18.59 percent)

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among Kashmiri women.

Late detection, stigma, and limited access to screening in rural areas exacerbate outcomes.

Early Signs include lumps, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or persistent pain.

Prevention and Detection 

Monthly self-exams and clinical breast exams after age 30.

Mammograms are recommended annually after 40.

Lifestyle changes, reduce obesity, limit alcohol, and promote breastfeeding.

⬤ Stomach Cancer

(8.63 percent)

High rates of stomach cancer are tied to diets rich in salted, smoked foods, pickled, and dried foods, plus H. Pylori bacterial infections.

Early Signs include indigestion, abdominal pain, and unintended weight loss.

Prevention and Detection

Reduced intake of processed, salty, and smoked foods.

Screen for H. pylori and treat infections promptly.

Endoscopy for high-risk individuals (family history, chronic gastritis).

⬤ Ovarian Cancer

(8.09 percent)

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until advanced stages due to vague symptoms like bloating or urinary urgency.

Early signs include persistent pelvic pain, appetite loss, and fatigue. 

Prevention and Detection

Regular pelvic exams and transvaginal ultrasounds for high-risk women.

Genetic testing for BRCA mutations (linked to breast and ovarian cancers).

Oral contraceptives may reduce risk.

⬤ Esophageal Cancer

(7.55 percent)

Kashmir’s fondness for noon chai (salted tea) and hot beverages may contribute to esophageal irritation.

Early signs include difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and hoarseness.

Prevention and Detection

Avoid polluted air, including indoor pollutants, and excessively hot drinks.

Endoscopy for those with persistent acid reflux or Barrett’s oesophagus. 

⬤ Colon Cancer

(7.01 percent)

Rising colon cancer cases are linked to low-fiber diets, processed meats, and sedentary habits. 

Early signs include blood in stool, irregular bowel movements, and anaemia. 

Prevention and Detection

Colonoscopy screenings from age 45–50.

Increase fibre intake (fresh fruits, vegetables) and reduce red meat consumption.

Cancer specialists have often spoken about the late-stage diagnoses overwhelming public facilities and called for grassroots awareness and infrastructure.

“Women in Kashmir need to prioritise regular check-ups and advocate for their health,” they say.