Cancer cases are on the rise in Jammu and Kashmir, with experts terming changing lifestyles, environmental pollution and the extensive use of chemicals in agriculture as reasons for the increase.
Noted oncologist Dr Zahoor Ahmad said advancements in medical diagnostics and growing health awareness have led to the detection of more cancer cases.
“Improved screening programmes and better access to healthcare services are enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses, which is contributing to the observed increase in cancer statistics,” he explained.
He said modern lifestyles – reduced physical activity and higher caloric intake – have led to rising obesity rates, which is a well-established risk factor for several cancers, including colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancers.
“Diets rich in processed foods and red meats, coupled with sedentary behaviour, further elevate the risk of developing cancer,” the doctor said.
Environmental factors also play a role, Dr Zahoor said, adding that exposure to air and water pollutants has been linked to an increased cancer risk. Carcinogens present in polluted environments can cause genetic mutations, leading to the development of cancerous cells.
He raised concerns over the extensive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture, which introduces harmful substances into the environment.
“These chemicals can contaminate food and water sources, increasing exposure to carcinogens. Long-term exposure to certain pesticides has been linked to cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma,” he said.
Another oncologist, Dr Ashraf called for a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue. “Public health initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles, stringent environmental regulations to curb pollution, and the adoption of organic farming practices to minimise exposure to harmful chemicals are crucial,” he said.
He also called for early detection. “Regular screenings and public awareness campaigns about cancer risk factors are vital in reducing the impact of this growing health concern,” he said.
Dr Ashraf said that cancer is a multi-dimensional disease influenced by various factors, including an ageing population, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, unhealthy diets and air pollution.
He urged those with symptoms of cancer to seek medical help promptly, as early treatment can prevent the disease from progressing and save lives.
On average, Jammu and Kashmir reports over 12,000 cancer cases annually. In 2024, more than 5,200 cancer cases were registered at SKIMS Soura, 1,600 at GMC Srinagar, 1,700 at GMC Jammu, approximately 500 at GMC Anantnag, and around 100 at GMC Baramulla.
According to Union Health Ministry data, 51,577 cancer cases were reported in J&K between 2019 and 2022, with 12,396 cases in 2019, 12,726 in 2020, 13,060 in 2021, and 13,395 in 2022.
Cancer-related fatalities in J&K during 2018–2022 totalled 35,623. The annual breakdown is as: 6,824 deaths in 2018; 7,003 deaths in 2019; 7,189 deaths in 2020; 7,211 deaths in 2021 and 7,396 deaths in 2022
A 2012 study conducted by SKIMS said the rising incidence of cancer in J&K is due to dietary practices, lifestyle choices and the consumption of foods with high salt content—(KNO)
