New Delhi: While breast and lung cancers rank among the most common cancers in India, the Kashmir Valley faces a distinct cancer burden, with stomach cancer emerging as a major concern. Alarmed by the high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers in the region, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched a special initiative to strengthen cancer screening, early diagnosis, and treatment in Jammu & Kashmir.
Cancer Statistics in India and Kashmir
India records more than 1.4 million cancer cases every year. Between 2018 and 2024, Jammu & Kashmir reported over 67,000 cancer cases. According to ICMR, gastrointestinal cancers, particularly stomach cancer, are highly prevalent in the Kashmir Valley, followed by esophageal and colorectal cancers.
ICMR's New Initiative
To address the growing burden, ICMR has invited research teams from Jammu & Kashmir to develop and test a model for large-scale cancer prevention and screening through the public healthcare system. The initiative will focus on oral, breast, cervical, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Screening Guidelines
- Adults aged 40 years and above will be screened for gastrointestinal cancers.
- Women aged 30 years and above will be screened for breast cancer.
- Sexually active women aged 30-60 years will be screened for cervical cancer.
- Adults aged 18 years and above will be screened for oral cancer.
Screening will be conducted through district hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Expert Insights on Cancer Burden
Dr. Rommel Tickoo, Senior Director of Internal Medicine at Max Hospital, Saket, stated that Jammu & Kashmir continues to face a high burden of stomach, esophageal, and colorectal cancers due to a combination of traditional dietary practices, Helicobacter pylori infection, tobacco use, genetic susceptibility, and changing lifestyles such as obesity and physical inactivity. He emphasized that early detection through timely screening, particularly among people over 40 and those with risk factors, can significantly improve survival and help reduce cancer-related deaths in the region.
Program Objectives and Implementation
A major focus will be on improving screening coverage, ensuring early diagnosis, and linking people who test positive to treatment services. The program will also involve healthcare workers and communities to encourage participation in cancer prevention and screening. The four-year project aims to develop an evidence-based model for prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and treatment that can be integrated into the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and potentially scaled up across Jammu & Kashmir.
This initiative represents a critical step in addressing the unique cancer challenges in the Kashmir Valley, leveraging the public healthcare system to reduce the burden of gastrointestinal cancers and improve health outcomes for the population.
