Silent killer: J&K registers over 13,000 cancer cases annually | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 1: The Union Territory Jammu and Kashmir has seen a rise in the incidence of deadly cancer, with over 13000 new cases reported annually. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Pratap Rao Jadhav said that as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), the estimated number of incidence of all types of cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir were 14112 in the year 2024. The Minister further said that in the year 2023, 13724 cancer cases were detected in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly in the year 2022, these numbers were 13395. The increase in cancer cases is largely attributed to poor lifestyle habits, tobacco use, and exposure to polluted air—factors that are common across India. According to official data, more than 65,000 cancer cases have been recorded in the last five years, averaging over 13,000 cases each year in the region. Cancer develops when normal cells transform into tumor cells in a multi-stage process, typically progressing from pre-cancerous lesions to malignant tumors. These cellular changes result from a combination of genetic factors and external agents, including environmental exposures. In Jammu and Kashmir, common risk factors for cancer include aging populations, sedentary lifestyl The Minister further said that in the year 2023, 13724 cancer cases were detected in Jammu and Kashmir. The increase in cancer cases is largely attributed to poor lifestyle habits, tobacco use, and exposure to polluted air . More than 65,000 cancer cases have been recorded in the last five years, averaging over 13,000 cases each year in the region. “Under NP-NCD, NCDClinics have been set up at 770 District hospitals and 6410 Community Health Centers. s, tobacco use, poor diet, and exposure to environmental pollutants. The Minister said that the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, provides technical and financial support to the States and Union Territories under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). “Under NP-NCD, NCDClinics have been set up at 770 District hospitals and 6410 Community Health Centers. Additionally, 372 District Day Care Centres for Chemotherapy have been set up in district hospitals”, he said, adding, “Preventive aspect of Non-Communicable Diseases is strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Aarogya Mandir Scheme by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level”. “Other initiatives for increasing public awareness and promotion of healthy lifestyle includes observation of National and International Days and use of print, electronic and social media for continued community awareness”, the Minister said, adding, “Furthermore, healthy eating is also promoted through Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Fit India movement is implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are being carried out by the Ministry of AYUSH”. |
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