J&K Records Over 32,000 Cancer Cases in Three Years Lung, Breast, Oral Cancers Most Prevalent: Govt
Govt tells Assembly over 32,000 cases recorded in three years; specialised treatment limited to select tertiary institutes
Jammu, Feb 13: More than 32,000 people have been diagnosed with cancer in Jammu and Kashmir over the past three years, with lung, breast, oral, cervical, prostate and pancreatic cancers among the most frequently identified, according to information presented in the Legislative Assembly on Friday.
The figures were provided by the Health and Medical Education Department in a written response to a query raised by Pulwama legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Para regarding treatment facilities for terminal illnesses.
Official data showed that the Jammu Division registered 6,804 cases during the review period, including 2,036 in 2023, 2,187 in 2024 and 2,581 in 2025. Meanwhile, the Kashmir Division accounted for 25,621 cases between 2022 and 2024, with annual totals steadily rising from 8,021 to 8,979.
Combined figures indicated 10,657 cases in 2023 and 11,166 in 2024 across the Union Territory. Authorities noted that no rare disease of major public health concern has been reported from any specific district so far.
The government highlighted that comprehensive oncology services are currently available at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Soura and the State Cancer Institute housed at Government Medical College Jammu. These centres provide medical, surgical and radiation oncology care supported by advanced diagnostics such as PET-CT, MRI and CT scans.
Preventive measures, including awareness drives and screening programmes, are being conducted through outpatient departments and health camps under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
However, specialised cancer treatment remains largely restricted to government medical colleges in Jammu and Srinagar, with district hospitals and community health centres yet to offer dedicated oncology services. The PET scan facility is presently operational only at SKIMS, Soura.
The administration also informed the House that two NABL-accredited food testing laboratories are functioning in Jammu and Srinagar, though both face manpower shortages with 11 vacancies each against 19 sanctioned posts.
The disclosure came during a broader legislative discussion on terminal diseases and the need to strengthen cancer care infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
