KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, April 30: Raising serious public health concerns, Director of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, on Thursday revealed that Srinagar district is witnessing one of the highest burdens of lung cancer cases at the national level, with smoking identified as a major contributing factor. He made these remarks while addressing the media during an interaction held alongside the inauguration of newly upgraded medical infrastructure at the institute.
Highlighting the growing severity of the issue, Prof. Ganie noted that the trend is deeply concerning and requires both medical intervention and public awareness. He pointed out that lifestyle factors, particularly tobacco consumption, continue to play a critical role in the rising incidence of lung cancer in the region. The Director emphasized that while treatment facilities are being strengthened, prevention and early detection must now become an equally important focus.
In response to the increasing cancer burden, SKIMS has undertaken a series of measures to upgrade its oncology services. According to Prof. Ganie, the institute has been steadily enhancing its diagnostic and treatment capabilities, ensuring that patients have access to advanced care within the region. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve outcomes for cancer patients and reduce the need for referrals outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Looking ahead, the institute is preparing to establish a dedicated preventive oncology department—an initiative that marks a significant shift toward proactive healthcare.
This upcoming facility will focus on large-scale screening programs aimed at identifying cancers at an early stage, when they are more treatable and outcomes are significantly better. The department will also play a key role in spreading awareness about risk factors, including smoking, and promoting healthier lifestyle choices among the population.
Prof. Ganie stressed that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in combating cancer. By introducing systematic screening and preventive strategies, SKIMS aims not only to treat cancer but also to reduce its incidence over time. He added that the new department will help bridge the gap between diagnosis and prevention, ensuring that individuals at risk are identified before the disease progresses to advanced stages.
The announcement comes at a time when healthcare institutions across the country are increasingly focusing on preventive models to tackle non-communicable diseases. For Srinagar, where the burden of lung cancer is reportedly rising, the move is expected to have far-reaching implications in improving public health outcomes.
With its dual approach of strengthening treatment infrastructure and investing in prevention, SKIMS is positioning itself to address one of the region’s most pressing health challenges. The proposed preventive oncology department, once operational, is likely to become a cornerstone in the fight against cancer—shifting the focus from late-stage treatment to early intervention and long-term disease control.
