Cancer cases on rise in Jammu & Kashmir, here's what numbers say
A shot in the arm: The Intra-operative Electron Radiotherapy (IOERT) machine being used for cancer treatment at Aster Whitefield
More than 67,000 new cancer cases were recorded in Jammu and Kashmir between 2018 and 2024, indicating a steady increase, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, revealed in Rajya Sabha.
There were 12,726 cases recorded in 2020, while it became 13,060 in 2021 and 13,395 in 2022. The numbers for 2023 and 2024 were 13,744 and 14,112 respectively. He said to tackle the situation, the government is expanding treatment facilities.
Prataprao Jadhav said 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres (TCCCs) have been established nationwide to provide advanced treatment. Besides, all 22 new AIIMS hospitals now offer cancer care services, including diagnosis, medical treatment and surgery.
He said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) continues to lead cancer research, supporting initiatives aimed at improving diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of cancer biology.
He said the focus remains on developing innovative, cost-effective, and accessible therapies.
The Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir has also strengthened its cancer care infrastructure.
The region now has two State Cancer Institutes, two Tertiary Cancer Care Centres, 20 Day Care Centres, and 11 District Hospitals providing palliative care.
These facilities aim to reduce the cancer burden in the Union Territory.
A sharp rise in cervical cancer cases has also been recorded. Between 2019 and 2023, cases steadily increased: 612 in 2019, 632 in 2020, 648 in 2021, 666 in 2022, and 684 in 2023.
To combat the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, the government has allocated Rs 24 crore under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) in Jammu and Kashmir.
This funding, provided under the National Health Mission (NHM), will be utilised over three years.
Given the sharp rise in cancer cases, there is an urgent need for stronger preventive measures, improved treatment facilities, and greater public awareness to ensure early diagnosis and timely care.
Health