01/01/2026
of concern ) Why r Cancer cases Rising in Kashmir?
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), is seeing a significant rise in cancer cases,
with an 14,112 new cases in 2024, up from ~12,700 in 2020, averaging a 3% annual increase, and totaling over 67,000 cases in five years.
This translates to roughly 38 new diagnoses daily, with common cancers like gastric, lung, and breast cancer prevalent, highlighting a growing health concern in the region, necessitating better detection and care.
Key Figures & Trends:
#2024: ~14,112 new cases.
Rise: Around 3% increase per year.
Cases (2020-2024): Over 67,000 reported in J&K.
Diagnoses: Approximately 38 new patients per day.
Common Cancers in Kashmir:
(stomach),
(food pipe),
,
, and
(colon/rectum).
Contributing Factors:
Dietary habits (unhealthy foods, high salt).
Lifestyle choices, including to***co use.
Environmental factors, like pesticide use and fast food.
: In 2025, the Government Medical College Anantnag registered over 700 new Cancer cases taking the total to 3500.
Principal GMC Anantnag Prof Dr Rukhsana Najeeb said that there is a growing burden of Cancer in the region and GMC Anantnag's expanding role in providing comprehensive oncology services.
symptoms ::
Cancer symptoms vary widely but often include fatigue, loss, unusual lumps, persistent pain, changes in skin or moles (ABCDEs), chronic cough/hoarseness, bowel/bladder habit changes, mouth sores that won't heal, and unexplained fever/night sweats, often indicating the body's reaction or the cancer's location, necessitating prompt medical check-ups for early detection.
Common General Symptoms
Weight Loss: Losing 10+ pounds without diet or exercise.
: Extreme tiredness that doesn't improve with rest.
& Infections: Frequent fevers or infections, especially with night sweats, affecting the immune system.
: Persistent pain with no known cause that doesn't go away or worsens.
Body & Skin Changes
& Swellings: New lumps or swelling anywhere, especially in breasts, neck, or soft tissues.
Changes: New moles, changes in existing moles (ABCDEs: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter > eraser, Evolving), or non-healing sores.
: Yellowing of skin or eyes.
Digestive & Urinary Changes
Habits: Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool appearance/blood in stool.
Problems: Loss of appetite, trouble swallowing, belly pain, nausea, persistent heartburn/indigestion.
Issues: Painful urination, blood in urine, or frequent/infrequent urination.
Respiratory & Oral Changes
/Hoarseness: A cough or hoarseness that won't go away.
Changes: Sores, bleeding, white/red patches in the mouth that don't heal.
Neurological/Other
/Hearing: Sudden changes in vision or hearing.
/Tingling: Persistent tingling or numbness, especially in limbs.
Note: These symptoms can be caused by many less serious conditions, but persistent changes warrant a doctor's visit for proper evaluation and diagnosis.