Srinagar, April 30: Director of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, on Thursday raised concern over the rising number of lung cancer cases in Kashmir, stating that smoking remains the leading cause behind the surge.
Speaking during a media interaction in Srinagar, Prof. Ganie said the Valley—particularly Srinagar—is witnessing a worrying increase in lung cancer burden, largely driven by tobacco consumption and other lifestyle-related factors.
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“Smoking kills,” he said, stressing that prevention must now take priority alongside treatment. He called for urgent action at both policy and community levels to curb tobacco use and promote healthier lifestyles.
The SKIMS Director highlighted that most lung cancer cases in Kashmir are being diagnosed at advanced stages, making early detection critical for improving survival rates.
To address the growing cancer burden, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences is strengthening its oncology services and upgrading diagnostic and treatment facilities so that patients can access advanced care within Jammu and Kashmir.
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He said a dedicated cancer screening and prevention centre is also being planned to enable early detection, especially among high-risk groups such as smokers. The initiative will focus on identifying cases at an early stage and spreading awareness about risk factors.
Prof. Ganie added that bridging the gap between prevention and diagnosis is key to controlling the disease.
“Systematic screening and preventive strategies can significantly reduce the long-term burden of cancer,” he said.
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Meanwhile, the Director inaugurated advanced medical infrastructure worth over Rs 24 crore across multiple departments, including oncology, critical care, surgery, nephrology, paediatrics and maternity services, aimed at improving patient care and treatment outcomes. (KNO)
