Upgrade cancer care

Over the past decade, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a steady rise in cancer cases, something that has been a source of growing concern in the society. Now government figures show a 2-3% annual increase in reported cases since 2021, which makes for a significant number.  Health Minister Sakina Itoo informed the J&K Assembly that over 64,000 cancer cases have been recorded since 2018, with Kashmir Valley at the receiving end with 50,551 cases. On the other hand, Jammu has fared relatively better with 13,912  cases. The large number of cancer cases is putting a burden on the fragile healthcare system, more so that of the Kashmir Valley.

Numbers in the Valley are so conspicuously high that it requires an urgent government intervention. To start with, the government should put in the public domain a break-up of these malignancies and their apparent causes based on the research or record from our healthcare institutions. Not just that, it is equally important that people are informed about the possible preventive measures and the lifestyle changes.

There must be something that has drastically  changed in our lifestyles and food intake in recent years leading to a bump in the malignancies. Kashmir Valley has witnessed around four-fold more cancer cases than Jammu region and there has to be a credible explanation for this. This alone will force people to adapt their lives accordingly. As we have often urged in these columns, what we need is not just the bare-bones data as is periodically made available to people by the healthcare institutions, but a fleshed out research with context, detailed examination of the factors causing the disease and suggestions for their amelioration.

While this is crucial, the government also needs to pay attention to the upgradation of cancer care facilities in our hospitals to deal with the rising number of cases. Even an advanced healthcare system will cave in under the mounting need to cater to thousands of cases annually. Last year alone, over 7000 cases of the disease were brought to local hospitals. Also, while relatively affluent people prefer to move to other parts of the country for treatment, even those who can't afford it are also forced to go out. So, ensuring that quality cancer treatment is accessible and affordable within the region must be a top priority for the government.