Colorectal cancer (CRC)—once considered a disease of the West—is quietly emerging as a significant public health threat in India, including in the Kashmir region. A steady rise in cancer cases, especially gastrointestinal malignancies, is being observed across hospitals and clinics in Jammu and Kashmir.

National & Regional Outlook

CRC is now the fourth most common cancer in India, with 64,863 new cases and 38,367 deaths reported in 2022. India ranks fifth globally in CRC-related mortality, and survival rates remain much lower than in developed countries.
While Kashmir lacks dedicated population-based cancer registries, local clinical observations indicate an increase in CRC cases. This rise is linked to dietary and lifestyle transitions—particularly a shift from traditional, fiber-rich meals to Westernized diets high in red meat, fried foods, and processed items, coupled with reduced physical activity.

Key Risk Factors

CRC is strongly influenced by modifiable risk factors, many of which are increasing in prevalence in Kashmir:
Dietary Shift: Increased intake of red and processed meats, fried foods, and low-fiber diets are driving CRC risk. Red meat can increase risk up to fourfold, while processed meats double the risk.
Low Calcium & Fiber: Declining consumption of dairy and green vegetables, traditionally protective, is contributing to risk.
Tobacco & Alcohol: Smoking remains common, especially among men, and can raise CRC risk nearly 9 times, according to Indian studies. Alcohol use, though limited culturally, is also linked to rising CRC incidence.
Obesity & Inactivity: Rising BMI, waist circumference, and sedentary lifestyles—especially among youth—are emerging concerns.

Genetics Infections

Genetic predispositions like Lynch Syndrome and chronic inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis also raise CRC risk significantly. However, limited awareness and diagnostic infrastructure mean these are often underdetected. Infections like H. pylori, HPV, and HCMV—common in developing regions—are increasingly linked to CRC but remain understudied in Kashmir.

Wake-Up Call

In Kashmir, awareness about CRC remains extremely low, and there are no routine screening programs. Most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, drastically reducing survival chances.
India’s five-year CRC survival rate is only 34–38%, compared to 58–65% in Western countries. Early detection through affordable tools like fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and colonoscopy is rare due to cost and accessibility issues.

What Kashmir Must Do

To avert a larger health crisis, the region must take immediate action:
Launch widespread awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and rural communities.
Integrate CRC screening into government health schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
Promote traditional, healthy diets and discourage red/processed meat consumption.
Train local healthcare workers to recognize early symptoms and refer high-risk cases.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer is largely preventable. By improving public awareness, promoting healthier lifestyles, and ensuring access to screening, Kashmir can combat this growing threat before it escalates. Early action saves lives—now is the time to act.

Email:---------------------------- umerkhwaja.zoo@gmail.com