Cancer cases witness alarming increase in J&K

SRINAGAR: Cancer cases witnessed an alarming increase since 2011 in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Health and Medical Education Department Bali Bhagat said today.

Replying to a question in the Legislative Council by Zafar Iqbal Manhas, the Minister said there were 4,556 cases recorded during 2011 which witnessed an increase and recharged at 4,848 in 2012,  5,068 cases were reported in 2013, 5,568 in 2014 which shot up to 6,358 in 2015.

Though there is high prevalence of cancer in the State, there is however, no specific study to indicate alarming rise in cancer patient. However, the reply said the figures inter alia indicate there is increased awareness and improved screening of cancer in the State.

He said regular awareness and screening camps are being organized by the Health and Medical Education department also by S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in collaboration with Cancer Society of Kashmir (CSK), a NGO in different parts of the State, including remote areas. (AGENCIES)