World Cancer Day: J & K Sees Growing Cancer Burden Among Women

2026-02-04 03:18:40

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) By Aamina Salaam

Srinagar – Jammu and Kashmir is seeing a gradual but consistent increase in cancers affecting women, with official data indicating a year-on-year rise in breast, cervical and ovarian cancer cases over the past five years.

Figures presented in the Rajya Sabha show that breast cancer continues to be the most commonly reported cancer among women in the Union Territory. The number of cases rose from 908 in 2021 to 938 in 2025. During the same period, deaths due to breast cancer also increased gradually, from 390 to 403.

Cervical cancer cases, though significantly lower in comparison, showed a modest upward trend. The number of reported cases increased from 70 in 2021 to 73 in 2025, while mortality remained largely stable, edging up from 38 deaths in 2021 and 2022 to 39 deaths from 2023 onwards.

Ovarian cancer recorded a similar year-on-year rise. Cases increased from 371 in 2021 to 383 in 2025, while deaths rose from 226 to 234 over the same period. Doctors note that ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to nonspecific early symptoms, which contributes to higher fatality rates.

In Ladakh, the overall numbers remain much smaller, reflecting the region's sparse population, but the trend is broadly comparable. Breast cancer cases increased from 18 in 2021 to 19 from 2022 onwards and remained unchanged through 2025. Cervical cancer cases stood at one per year, while ovarian cancer cases remained steady at eight annually. Mortality figures also showed little variation. Health professionals, however, warn that difficult terrain, remoteness and limited access to specialised healthcare may lead to delayed detection or underreporting.

At the national level, similar trends have been observed, with rising incidence of breast, cervical and ovarian cancers reported across several states. More populous states continue to account for the highest number of cases, highlighting gaps in early detection and access to timely treatment.

The government has sought to address the rising cancer burden through expanded screening and treatment initiatives under national non-communicable disease programmes. These include population-based screening for adults over 30 years of age, strengthening district-level cancer care facilities and improving access to diagnostics and treatment.

Breast Cancer

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Ovarian Cancer
. 2021: 371 cases | 226 deaths
. 2022: 374 cases | 228 deaths
. 2023: 377 cases | 230 deaths
. 2024: 380 cases | 232 deaths

. 2025: 383 cases | 234 deaths

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