Srinagar, Jun 20: Amid a growing burden of cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir, public health experts have called for greater awareness, early screening and timely medical intervention to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.
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According to data presented as part of a public awareness campaign by Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, cancer incidence in J&K has shown a rising trend over the past decade, reflecting national and global patterns. Experts attribute the increase to changing lifestyles, tobacco use, unhealthy dietary habits, environmental factors and delayed diagnosis.
Among men, lung cancer, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and oral cancer are among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies. Among women, breast cancer remains the leading cancer, followed by cervical, ovarian, colorectal, thyroid, stomach, liver and endometrial cancers. Breast cancer accounts for the highest relative burden among major cancers, followed by lung, oesophageal and stomach cancers.
Medical experts have urged people to remain vigilant about common warning signs, including persistent changes in bowel or bladder habits, non-healing sores, unusual bleeding or discharge, unexplained lumps, difficulty swallowing, chronic indigestion, noticeable changes in moles or warts, and persistent cough or hoarseness.
“Any symptom that persists for several weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Early consultation can make a critical difference in treatment outcomes,” the awareness campaign states.
The campaign highlights that approximately one in nine men and one in twelve women in India are likely to develop cancer during their lifetime. However, experts say that 30 to 50 per cent of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle modifications such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and receiving recommended vaccinations.
Women have been encouraged to perform regular breast self-examinations and follow mammography recommendations based on age and risk factors. HPV vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years has also been strongly recommended for cervical cancer prevention, while women aged 30 to 65 years are advised to undergo periodic screening through Pap smear, VIA or HPV DNA testing.
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The campaign notes that many cancer patients in J&K continue to seek medical care only after the disease has advanced due to lack of awareness, fear and social stigma, dependence on self-medication and home remedies, financial challenges, transportation difficulties in remote areas, inadequate screening facilities and shortages of specialists.
Public health experts have called for a streamlined referral pathway from Health and Wellness Centres to Regional Cancer Centres to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
The awareness drive stresses a three-pronged approach to cancer control—prevention, early detection and quality treatment. Experts estimate that nearly one-third of cancers can be prevented and another one-third successfully treated if diagnosed at an early stage.
“Be aware, get screened, live healthy, support patients and spread hope. Early detection saves lives,” the campaign message states. (KNO)
