The cancer statistics of the Kashmir valley depicts an alarming picture. Results of a study conducted recently show the number of cancer patients in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 were 230, 239, 391, and 511, respectively, with a combined total of 1,371. Thus, it is clear from these figures that the number of cancer cases has increased gradually with time.
Stomach cancer is the most common cancer in Kashmir valley. In males the most common cancer is stomach cancer with 175 (12.8%) reported cases and in females the most common cancer is breast cancer with 151 (11%) reported cases. The male to female ratio was 1.4:1.
Meanwhile, in six years, SKIMS Soura registered over 27,000 patients ailing with cancer disease. The institute has witnessed 1833 deaths due to different types of cancer.
Lung cancer has also been found prominent among men while breast cancer was seen on the rise among women. Doctors say that smoking is one of the primary reasons of cancer among males. Family history, obesity, age are among the factors responsible for the cancer cases also.
One of the positive changes that happened in the valley in the past few years is that people are getting aware about the disease.
A careful reading of the reported cancer cases indicates an increased number of cancer patients every year in Kashmir. Kashmir is a growing state in India playing a crucial role in the development of the country and, hence, it needs special attention on this issue.
Experts believe that a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment is essential and this has to be made available at all regional cancer centers. Cancer control is an area in which we need participation from all sectors of the society.
The government of J&K needs to gear up to tackle this challenge. And the key lies in the massive awareness programmes. Health and medical education department should use both print as well as electronic media to invite attention of the general public towards this deadly disease and the precautions to be taken in this regard.
