SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s leading tertiary care hospital, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, has registered over 5,200 cases of cancer this year alone, and more than 50,000 cases since 2014. This alarming rise reflects not just on the health of the region but also hints at broader lifestyle issues impacting its residents.
According to data from SKIMS Soura, there have been 5,200 new cancer registrations so far this year, adding to the staggering total of 50,302 cases recorded since 2014. The annual breakdown reveals incremental increases over the years: 3,940 cases were registered in 2014, followed by 4,417 in 2015, and 4,320 the following year. Registration numbers fluctuated, reaching 4,727 and then peaking again with 5,271 cases last year.
Officials indicate there is a significant uptrend in cancer cases across Kashmir, which is concerning. Among men, lung cancer tops the list as the most prevalent form, whereas breast cancer is increasingly common among women. Experts attribute the rise particularly among males to smoking, along with other factors such as family history, obesity, and age.
Dr. Imtiyaz, a faculty member at SKIMS, emphasized the necessity of early detection, stating, “Cancer is multifaceted, with risk factors including sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and air pollution.” He urged individuals with potential symptoms to seek medical advice as soon as possible to prevent the disease’s progression. Timely interventions, he added, could save lives.
“Quality treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are available right here at SKIMS,” noted Dr. Imtiyaz, asserting the institute's commitment to providing the necessary healthcare support for cancer patients. The hospital's infrastructure is continuously being upgraded to facilitate superior patient care.
Adding to the grim statistics, data from the Union Health Ministry indicates 51,577 cancer cases reported within Jammu and Kashmir from 2019 to 2022. The yearly breakdown shows the figures rising consistently: 12,396 cases reported in 2019, which increased to 13,395 by 2022.
Mortality rates connected with cancer have also been alarming, with 35,623 fatalities linked to the disease recorded between 2018 and 2022. These numbers include 6,824 deaths documented in 2018, increasing incrementally each year to 7,396 deaths reported last year.
Reflecting on the causes of this rising incidence, a study conducted by SKIMS back in 2012 pointed to various factors, including dietary habits and lifestyle choices, like the consumption of meals high in salt. These habits seem to compound risk and contribute to the rising numbers of registered cases.
Despite the pressing nature of this health crisis, officials at SKIMS stress the importance of awareness among the public. Community outreach programs could play a significant role in educating residents about the risks of cancer and the importance of regular health checkups. They must not underestimate the power of preventive measures.
The increasing trend of cancer cases signals not just personal tragedies but also points toward systemic flaws within public health education and environmental health standards. The message is clear: the people of Kashmir must prioritize health screenings, adopt healthier lifestyles, and encourage supportive healthcare systems to combat this growing menace.
With the continuous rise of cancer cases, there’s an urgent need for the local government and health authorities to act decisively, ensuring comprehensive health initiatives are put forth to address and combat these encroaching statistics effectively. The vision for the future must involve both immediate and long-term interventions to not only treat patients but also prevent new cases from arising.
Healthcare professionals remain hopeful as they push for community responsibility, advocating for healthier living standards and timely medical interventions. The fight against cancer at SKIMS Soura is not just about treating the existing cases; it’s also about cultivating an environment where prevention is at the forefront.
