Cancer remains one of the most devastating diseases globally, affecting millions of lives every year. International Cancer Awareness Day, observed on November 7, is a crucial reminder of the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and research. It is a day dedicated to spreading awareness about cancer’s impact, educating people about the importance of lifestyle changes, and advocating for improved healthcare facilities. In the context of Kashmir, where the disease is on the rise, the observance of International Cancer Awareness Day takes on an even more significant role, highlighting the urgent need for better infrastructure, facilities, and medical advancements to combat this growing health crisis.

In recent years, cancer has emerged as a significant public health issue in Kashmir, with alarming rates of various types of cancer, particularly gastric, lung, and oesophageal cancers. According to recent reports, Kashmir has one of the highest incidences of gastric cancer in India. This spike is attributed to various factors, including the region’s genetic predispositions, lifestyle habits, and environmental conditions. The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar reports that around 4,000 to 5,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed annually in Kashmir. Among these, gastric cancer accounts for approximately 25-30% of all cases, followed by oesophageal, lung, and breast cancers. The rising number of cancer patients in the region is a cause for immediate concern, underscoring the need to create more awareness around early detection, as catching cancer in its early stages dramatically increases the chances of survival. Unfortunately, in many cases, due to a lack of awareness and adequate screening facilities, patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting treatment options and reducing survival rates.

Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure has made considerable strides recently, especially in cancer care. However, the challenges remain significant, with many patients travelling outside the region for advanced treatments. The region’s leading cancer treatment facility is at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences a tertiary care hospital providing comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology. SKIMS has a dedicated oncology department handles many cancer cases across the valley. In addition to SKIMS, the Government Medical College in Srinagar has also ramped up its cancer care facilities, offering treatment for various types of cancer. Establishing regional cancer centres under the National Cancer Control Programme has helped decentralise cancer care, making it more accessible to people in remote areas. These centres aim to provide diagnostic and treatment services and palliative care for advanced cancer patients.

Despite these advancements, there are still several gaps in the cancer treatment infrastructure in Kashmir. One of the primary challenges is the lack of specialised oncologists and trained healthcare professionals. Although institutions like SKIMS and GMC are doing commendable work, the demand far outweighs the available resources. As a result, many patients are forced to travel to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai for advanced cancer treatments like bone marrow transplants, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Another pressing issue is the availability of advanced diagnostic facilities. While SKIMS has facilities for CT scans, MRIs, and basic pathological tests, the region still lacks cutting-edge diagnostic technologies like PET-CT scans, essential for staging cancers and monitoring treatment progress. The limited availability of radiation therapy units also adds to the burden, with patients often having to wait for long periods for their turn, leading to delays in treatment.

Prevention and early detection are the most effective ways to combat cancer. International Cancer Awareness Day plays a crucial role in spreading critical information about the disease, its symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of regular screenings. Unfortunately, in Kashmir, a lack of awareness about cancer symptoms and risk factors contributes to delayed diagnoses. The government and healthcare institutions in Kashmir have initiated various awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of early detection. Programs that encourage regular health check-ups, mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer are vital in ensuring that cancers are detected early when they are most treatable. Community outreach programs and awareness drives in rural areas are significant, as many people in these regions have limited access to healthcare facilities and are unaware of the importance of early detection. Moreover, cultural stigma and fear associated with cancer diagnosis often prevent people from seeking timely medical help.

The genetic component of cancer in Kashmir is an area that has garnered significant attention from researchers. Studies have shown that certain families in the region are more prone to specific types of cancer, particularly gastric cancer, due to inherited genetic mutations. Research into the genetic makeup of the Kashmiri population is crucial in understanding the underlying causes of the high cancer incidence in the region and developing targeted therapies for those at higher risk. The need for more resources in genetic research and testing is clear. If allocated, these resources could significantly reduce the burden of cancer in the region by identifying at-risk individuals early and providing them with the necessary interventions to prevent the onset of the disease. The significance of International Cancer Awareness Day for Kashmir cannot be overstated. It is a day that calls for introspection and action on improving cancer care and infrastructure in the region. While significant strides have been made in recent years, much more needs to be done to provide comprehensive cancer care to all citizens of Kashmir, particularly those in remote and underserved areas. Investing in better diagnostic facilities, increasing the number of specialised oncologists, and promoting awareness about cancer prevention and early detection are crucial steps toward reducing the cancer burden in Kashmir. Moreover, addressing the genetic aspects of cancer through research and genetic counselling can pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments in the future. By working together, healthcare institutions, the government, and the people of Kashmir can create a robust cancer care system that saves lives and brings hope to those affected by this devastating disease.