Srinagar, Apr 27: Kashmir continues to report a high burden of oesophageal cancer, with medical experts saying the region falls within Asia’s high-risk oesophageal cancer belt. Doctors say frequent consumption of very hot Noon Chai, tobacco use, and unsafe food storage practices may be contributing to the trend.
Dr Shahid Wani, Head of the Oncology Department at Government Medical College Anantnag, said Kashmir shares disease patterns with the well-known Asian oesophageal cancer belt, a region stretching from Iran through Central Asia to northern China.
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He said many cases may have gone undetected in previous decades due to limited diagnostic facilities.
“Today, with better screening and improved medical infrastructure, more cases are being detected, which creates the impression of a rising trend,” he said.
Major Risk Factors Behind Oesophageal Cancer in Kashmir
Dr Wani said one of the major concerns is the widespread use of Noon Chai (salt tea), a traditional beverage consumed daily in many Kashmiri households.
He said regularly drinking very hot beverages, especially during winter, can repeatedly damage the inner lining of the oesophagus and stomach.
“Chronic exposure to extremely hot beverages damages the mucosal lining, which over time may increase the risk of oesophageal and gastric cancers,” he said.
The oncologist also highlighted traditional food storage practices as another concern. Improper drying and storage of vegetables can lead to fungal contamination and the formation of mycotoxins.
He said aflatoxins, classified as Group 1 carcinogens, pose serious health risks, including cancer.
Tobacco use in different forms, particularly smoking and swallowing tobacco juices, was identified as another major risk factor.
“These practices expose the gastrointestinal tract to carcinogens, significantly increasing the likelihood of oesophageal and gastric cancers,” he said.
Experts Rule Out Direct Link With Pesticides
Addressing concerns about pesticides and fungicides, Dr Wani said these substances contain carcinogenic chemicals, but there is currently no conclusive evidence linking them directly to the higher incidence of oesophageal cancer in Kashmir.
He said Punjab has significantly higher pesticide use, yet reports around five cases per lakh population, while Kashmir reports 20 to 40 cases per lakh population.
This, he said, suggests environmental and lifestyle factors may be playing a larger role.
Early Detection, Lifestyle Changes Key
Dr Wani stressed the need for public awareness, timely diagnosis, and lifestyle changes to reduce the burden of gastrointestinal cancers in the Valley.
He advised people to avoid excessively hot beverages, ensure proper food storage, and stay away from tobacco in all forms.
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“Timely diagnosis and preventive strategies can go a long way in controlling the disease. Awareness at the community level is crucial,” he said. (KNO)
