Cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir have increased steadily from 12,726 in 2020 to 14,112 in 2024 according to the ICMR and NCRP (Indian council of medical research and national cancer registry program).
Most experts are now very concerned about this alarming trend and the implications for public health in J&K. Increased availability and accuracy of diagnostic tests combined with improved systems for reporting incident cases of cancer likely contribute to some portion of the overall increase in cancer cases.
There is, however, also substantial evidence that an increasing burden of cancer burden exists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Many potential causes of this increase in cancer burden are likely related to everyday living habits and the environment.
Factors such as the shift towards unhealthy diet patterns, growing use of tobacco, increase exposure to environmental pollutants and possibly changes in lifestyles associated with urbanisation are all examples of this.
While the beautiful scenery of J&K may disguise some of the specific environmental triggers associated with cancer, including contaminated water supplies due to excessive heavy metal mining or unregulated use of pesticides on crops, these triggers warrant further investigation through rigorous scientific studies.
This situation highlights the gap that exists between identifying and providing complete and holistic care for patients diagnosed with cancer.
While diagnosing and identifying cases of cancer is becoming more accurate and easier than ever in J&K, there are many other areas representing significant barriers to providing adequate and timely treatment for the increasing number of patients diagnosed with cancer.
Examples of such barriers include but are not limited to a lack of access to adequate infrastructure to support cancer treatment, including the ability to provide adequate chemotherapy and radiotherapy and a severe shortage of qualified specially trained professionals to deliver these services, are concentrated in very few urban centres.
The government must implement a culture-sensitive, massive, awareness campaign, for public understanding, of the importance of quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting screened. Integrate cancer detection into all levels of primary healthcare systems for both ASHA and mid-level workers through appropriate training.
Further, there is a need to create satellite oncology units connected to every district hospital across all areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology.
Also, the government can establish a network of telemedicine options that allow patients who live in remote locations to access oncologists at tertiary medical facilities for follow-ups and consultations.
Finally, it is critical to expand coverage of Ayushman Bharat for all treatment phases for patients fighting cancer, including drugs and palliative care. Replace the devastating obstacle of having to sell personal property to pay for needed medical treatment.
