NEW DELHI: While breast and lung cancers are among the most common cancers in India, Kashmir is facing a distinct cancer burden, with stomach cancer emerging as a major concern. Alarmed by the high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancers in the Valley, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched a special initiative to strengthen cancer screening, early diagnosis and treatment in Jammu & Kashmir.India records more than 14 lakh cancer cases every year, and Jammu & Kashmir reported over 67,000 cancer cases between 2018 and 2024. According to ICMR, gastrointestinal cancers, particularly stomach cancer, are highly prevalent in the Kashmir Valley, followed by oesophageal and colorectal cancers.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.Under the programme, adults aged 40 years and above will be screened for gastrointestinal cancers, women aged 30 years and above for breast cancer, sexually active women aged 30-60 years for cervical cancer, and adults aged 18 years and above for oral cancer. Screening will be carried out through district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Dr Rommel Tickoo, senior director, internal medicine, Max hospital, Saket, said Jammu & Kashmir continues to face a high burden of stomach, oesophageal 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 stressed 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.A major focus will be on improving screening coverage, ensuring early diagnosis and linking people who test positive to treatment services. The programme 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.
