Shabir Ali
Jammu Kashmir has witnessed an alarming rise in lung cancer cases, with 8,355 new cases reported in 2024 alone. Over the past five years, the region has recorded a staggering 50,551 lung cancer cases, highlighting a growing public health crisis. Medical experts attribute this surge to a combination of factors, including increasing air pollution, widespread smoking, and environmental hazards.
Doctors at leading hospitals, including the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, warn that lung cancer remains the most prevalent form of cancer among men in the region. The situation is further exacerbated by late-stage diagnoses, as many patients seek medical attention only when symptoms become severe.
“We are seeing an alarming number of lung cancer cases, mostly in advanced stage. Smoking remains the leading cause, but we cannot ignore the impact of air pollution and occupational hazards,” said Dr. Irfan Ahmad, an oncologist at SKIMS Soura. He added that early detection programs and lifestyle changes could significantly reduce mortality rates.
The rising burden of lung cancer comes amid a broader increase in cancer cases across Jammu Kashmir. SKIMS alone has documented over 5,200 new cancer cases this year, adding to the more than 50,000 cases recorded at the institute since 2014. Cancer cases at SKIMS have steadily risen, with 4,727 reported in 2021, 5,271 in 2022, and 5,108 in 2023. While lung cancer remains the most common among men, experts also point to a significant rise in breast cancer cases among women.
Authorities have been urged to take immediate steps to address the crisis, including implementing stricter pollution control measures and launching aggressive anti-smoking campaigns. Public health experts stress that tobacco use remains a major contributor to lung cancer in Kashmir, with high smoking rates among men putting them at greater risk. “We need stronger anti-smoking policies and widespread awareness campaigns, particularly among the youth. Prevention is the only way to bring these numbers down,” Dr. Ahmad emphasized.
To combat the growing number of cases, the government is expected to expand healthcare infrastructure and cancer treatment facilities. There is also a pressing need to enhance screening programs, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized healthcare remains limited.
Medical professionals argue that raising awareness about the dangers of smoking and promoting regular health check-ups could play a crucial role in reducing lung cancer mortality rates.
With lung cancer cases continuing to rise at an alarming pace, experts warn that without immediate intervention, the disease will place an even greater burden on the region’s already strained healthcare system. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether preventive measures, early detection, and improved treatment facilities can help curb this growing health crisis in Jammu Kashmir.
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