The surge in cancer cases across India, particularly in regions like Kashmir, demands an urgent attention. The recent Lancet study, revealing India’s staggering 12 lakh new cancer cases and 9.3 lakh deaths in 2019, underlines the gravity of this health crisis. Among Asian countries, India stands as the second highest contributor to the cancer burden, a situation echoed in Kashmir, where cases have risen drastically over the past decade.
The Lancet study pinpoints critical insights: Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancers top the list in Asia, with notable prevalence among men. However, cervical cancer ranks high among women across several Asian nations. Encouragingly, the HPV vaccine has exhibited efficacy in preventing this cancer, offering a beacon of hope in disease prevention strategies.
The findings link cancer proliferation to several factors prevalent in India and Asia. The concerning escalation of ambient air pollution acts as a significant catalyst. Five Asian countries, including India, witness alarmingly high levels of PM2.5, posing a severe health risk. Rapid industrial growth, urbanization, and heightened vehicular usage contribute to this hazardous environmental scenario.
Furthermore, smokeless tobacco consumption emerges as a prominent concern, especially in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The prevalence of products like khaini and gutkha correlates significantly with oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers. Similarly, issues related to food contamination and adulteration, witnessed prominently in Kashmir, have been identified as contributors to the rising cancer cases in the region.
The trend demands immediate, comprehensive intervention. A robust approach encompassing public health policies, enhanced awareness campaigns, and stringent regulatory measures is imperative. Efforts must focus on mitigating the identified risk factors: controlling air pollution, curbing tobacco usage, and combating food adulteration through rigorous monitoring and stringent legal actions against offenders.
Moreover, the healthcare infrastructure in low- and medium-income countries like India, demands urgent augmentation. Rural areas, in particular, face scarcity in oncologic facilities, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment, thereby impacting survival rates. Policy measures aimed at improving accessibility and affordability of cancer screening and treatment are indispensable.
Kashmir, experiencing a disproportionate surge in cancer cases, warrants special attention. The government must prioritize comprehensive research to identify the underlying causes. Unveiling the reasons behind this surge is critical for public awareness and preventive measures. Addressing issues of food adulteration, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and fostering awareness campaigns are imperative steps for Kashmir’s healthcare system.
Combating the escalating cancer crisis in India and specifically addressing the alarming surge in Kashmir necessitates a collaborative effort between the government, healthcare institutions, and the public. It’s imperative to act swiftly, implementing targeted measures to alleviate this growing health burden and secure a healthier future for the country and in our Valley
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