Cancer Incidence Surge
Recent government data reveals a stark increase in cancer diagnoses throughout Jammu and Kashmir, with a cumulative total exceeding 32,000 cases recorded
across both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Strikingly, the Kashmir Valley accounts for the vast majority of these diagnoses, representing nearly 79% of the overall figures. This trend signifies a growing public health concern that demands attention and proactive measures. The Health Minister, Sakeena Itoo, presented these findings in the Assembly, underscoring a consistent upward trajectory in cancer occurrences across both regions. Detailed statistics show that between 2022 and 2024, the Kashmir division alone registered 25,621 cases, a number that has climbed steadily year on year from 8,021 in 2022, to 8,621 in 2023, and further to 8,979 in 2024. Similarly, the Jammu division has also experienced a rise, documenting 6,804 cases between 2023 and 2025, with yearly figures reaching 2,036 in 2023, 2,187 in 2024, and projected to be 2,581 in 2025. This regional disparity and overall escalation highlight the critical need for targeted interventions and enhanced healthcare infrastructure.
Prevalent Cancer Types
The spectrum of cancers most frequently identified within Jammu and Kashmir encompasses several critical types, posing significant health challenges to the populace. Among the most commonly diagnosed are lung, breast, oral, cervical, and prostate cancers, affecting a wide demographic. Furthermore, gastro-intestinal malignancies, including oesophageal, stomach, and colorectal tumours, are also reported with notable frequency. The prevalence of these specific cancers suggests potential links to environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and genetic predispositions within the region. Understanding the distribution of these common types is crucial for developing targeted screening programs and public health awareness campaigns. This knowledge allows healthcare providers to focus resources on the most impactful areas, from early detection strategies tailored to specific risk groups to the development of specialized treatment protocols. By identifying these prevalent malignancies, the region can better equip itself to combat the growing burden of cancer and improve patient outcomes.
Cancer Care Network
Jammu and Kashmir is enhancing its capacity to provide comprehensive cancer treatment through a network of specialized institutions and tiered healthcare facilities. Key centres, such as the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and the State Cancer Institute at Government Medical College Jammu, are at the forefront of delivering multidisciplinary care. These institutions offer a holistic approach, integrating medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and clinical haematology to address the complex needs of cancer patients. To support these clinical services, advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies are being deployed. State-of-the-art equipment, including PET-CT scanners, CT scan units, CT simulators for precise treatment planning, and advanced radiotherapy systems, are available. This sophisticated infrastructure ensures that patients receive high-quality care, from initial diagnosis through to advanced treatment. Beyond these major centres, patient management is integrated across a wider healthcare ecosystem, encompassing tertiary, district, and community-level hospitals. This distributed model ensures that patients can access care closer to home, with seamless referral pathways established for those requiring more specialized interventions at higher-level facilities.
Boosting Early Detection
The government is placing a strong emphasis on public awareness and early detection as cornerstones of its strategy to combat the rising tide of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir. Campaigns are being actively rolled out to educate the public about the subtle warning signs of various cancers and to highlight modifiable risk factors. This includes crucial information on the detrimental effects of tobacco consumption, the importance of balanced diets, and the impact of lifestyle habits on cancer development. The overarching goal is to foster a culture of prevention and to empower individuals to seek timely medical attention if they notice any concerning symptoms. Simultaneously, efforts are underway to expand diagnostic capabilities, ensuring that advancements in medical technology are accessible. A significant development is the procurement of an additional PET scan unit for Government Medical College, Srinagar, an investment of ₹16 crore, which will augment the existing facility at SKIMS, Soura. This expansion aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility. In the private sector, advanced PET scan services are also available, offered by institutions like Narayana Super Specialty Hospital Kakryal and the American Oncology Institute ASCOM in the Jammu division, further enhancing the diagnostic landscape for cancer patients across the region.
