Srinagar: As Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing an alarming surge in cancer cases, experts here are calling for preventive measures, lifestyle modifications and increased public awareness.
Data from the Union Health Ministry reveals that between 2019 and 2022, Jammu and Kashmir reported 51,577 cancer cases, with 35,623 deaths during the same period.
A 2012 study by SKIMS attributed the rise in cancer cases to dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and the consumption of high-salt foods.
Local news agency KNO quoted Dr Zahoor Ahmad, an oncologist at SKIMS Soura, as saying that cancers have become a widespread concern, with almost every family being affected directly or indirectly.
“Cancer is emerging as a lifestyle disease, spreading rapidly in regions where populations are shifting towards urban living. This shift is marked by increased caloric intake, consumption of ultra-processed foods, reduced physical activity, and exposure to agricultural chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides,” he said.
Dr Ahmad said that nearly 40-50 percent of cancers are potentially preventable through simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity and reducing the intake of processed foods.
Despite growing awareness about cancer and its treatment, he said many myths and misconceptions still prevail. “These myths can only be dispelled through proper education and counselling,” he added.
According to Dr Ahmad, advancements in cancer treatment are ushering in a new era of precision medicine. “With cutting-edge research uncovering the molecular profiles of tumours, treatments can now be tailored to individual patient characteristics. This approach minimizes side-effects, avoids ineffective therapies, and maximises treatment benefits,” he explained.
Dr Ashraf Ashai, an oncologist at GMC Anantnag, attributed the rising number of cancer cases here also to increased detection owing to improved diagnostic capabilities.
“Cancer is no longer a death sentence if detected and treated early. One-third of cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications, another third are curable with early intervention, and for the remaining cases, palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life,” he said.
Doctors identified food adulteration, consumption of packaged and pre-cooked foods, smoked foods, highly processed red meats and foods high in salt and nitrosamines—such as salted tea and pickles—as contributing factors to increased cancer risk.
To mitigate these risks, they recommend fresh, unprocessed foods, fruits rich in antioxidants (apples, pears, berries), folate-rich and cruciferous vegetables, high turmeric and ginger consumption, and eggs and fibre-rich diets
Despite the increasing incidence, there is optimism in the medical community due to the availability of quality treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. Continuous improvements in healthcare infrastructure are also enhancing patient-care in the region.
Healthcare professionals are urging the public to adopt conscious lifestyle modifications, prioritize early detection through regular screenings, and seek timely medical intervention to combat the growing threat of cancer.
“Cancer may be a formidable foe, but with awareness, prevention, and advancements in treatment, it’s a battle we can win,” Dr Ahmad concluded. (KNO)
