Srinagar, Jul 26: J&K has recorded an estimated 68,804 new cancer cases over the past five years, according to data presented in Parliament by the Union Health Ministry.
The figures highlight the steadily expanding cancer burden and the increasing pressure on its healthcare systems in J&K. The estimates were prepared by the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). These show that annual cancer incidence increased from 13,060 cases in 2021 to 14,493 cases in 2025. This is an increase of nearly 11 percent over the period.
According to the compilation, J&K recorded 13,060 new cancer cases in 2021. The figure rose to 13,395 in 2022, 13,744 in 2023, and 14,112 in 2024. In 2025, it reached 14,493 cases. The figures indicate a steady year-on-year increase in cancer incidence across J&K. Together, these amount to an estimated 68,804 new cases over the five-year period.
Together, these figures amount to an estimated 68,804 new cancer cases between 2021 and 2025. Compared with 2021, the annual number of new cases has risen by 1433 by 2025, reflecting a steady year-on-year increase. Experts have cautioned that the rise may not solely reflect the rapidly increasing disease.
The improvements in life expectancy, wider availability of diagnostic services, greater public awareness and enhanced cancer detection contribute to identifying more cases. However, the lifestyle changes, smoking, obesity, unhealthy diets and environmental pollution continue to drive the disease burden.
J&K also continues to exhibit a cancer profile distinct from other states in India. While breast, cervical and lung cancers remain the most common cancers nationally, J&K has a disproportionately high incidence of gastrointestinal cancers.
In recognition of this trend, the ICMR has launched a targeted gastric cancer screening initiative in J&K. The challenge for J&K is beyond the growing number of patients. Retrospective studies show that a significant proportion of cancer cases are still diagnosed at advanced stages.
This results in more complex treatments and often poor outcomes from the regimens. Routine screening and early detection programmes have remained inaccessible to a majority of population.
The Health Ministry informed Parliament earlier in the week that cancer prevention and treatment services are being expanded under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
This programme supports screening for oral, breast and cervical cancers at primary healthcare facilities. However, oral and cervical cancers form a smaller proportion of cancers in J&K, especially Kashmir division.
The rising patient numbers point to the imperative and urgent need of substantial investment in diagnostic facilities, radiotherapy units, specialised oncology manpower and decentralised treatment services in J&K.
There is a dire need to reduce the need for patients to travel outside J&K.
