32,000 cancer cases in 3 years, 25,621 from Kashmir alone: J&K Govt
Of the total cases reported, 17,348 patients were male and 15,077 were female
Highlighting the rising number of cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has informed that over 32,000 cases have been reported in recent years, with 25,621 cases recorded in the Kashmir region alone.
The information was shared in written replies to separate questions raised by MLAs Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed and Waheed Para. Responding to Para’s query, Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated that 2,036 cancer cases were reported in Jammu in 2023. The number increased to 2,187 in 2024 and further rose to 2,581 in 2025. In Kashmir, 8,021 cases were reported in 2022, which increased to 8,621 in 2023 and 8,979 in 2024.
Of the total cases reported, 17,348 patients were male and 15,077 were female. The most commonly reported cancers include lung, breast, oral, cervical, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
The Minister informed that institutions such as Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and the State Cancer Institute (SCI) at Government Medical College, Jammu, are providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary cancer care. These facilities offer Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Clinical Hematology services and are equipped with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, including PET-CT, CT scans, dedicated CT simulators, modern radiotherapy systems, and other specialised oncology services.
Replying to a question by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, the government stated that nearly 10,000 cancer cases were reported in major health institutions across J&K during 2025.
The government clarified that while the data indicates a slight increase in reported cancer cases, this cannot be conclusively interpreted as a rise in actual cancer incidence without detailed epidemiological studies. The observed increase is likely due to improved diagnostic capabilities and enhanced detection rates across healthcare institutions.
To address the growing patient load and reduce waiting times, the government is strengthening diagnostic services. The number of PET scans conducted at SKIMS increased significantly from 1,410 in 2024 to 2,250 in 2025. As the premier tertiary care centre in
J&K, SKIMS continues to handle a substantial volume of referral cases for advanced cancer diagnosis and surgery from peripheral regions.
In a further boost to cancer care infrastructure, the Health and Medical Education Department has recently approved the procurement of a new PET scan machine for Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, at an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore. The procurement will be carried out through the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited.
