Srinagar: Lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, is heavily linked to smoking, with approximately 80 percent of cases resulting from tobacco use.
Medical professionals emphasized that quitting smoking is the most effective measure to decrease lung cancer incidence in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). They also noted that the region’s declining air quality is exacerbating the problem.
Dr. Zahoor, a prominent oncologist at SKIMS Soura, highlighted the strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer. “Lung cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer deaths. By quitting smoking, we can prevent more than 80 percent of lung cancer cases, significantly reducing both the cancer burden and associated mortality,” he stated.
Dr. Zahoor further explained that lung cancer continues to be a major global health concern in terms of both incidence and mortality. “Smoking cessation has a profound and lasting impact on reducing lung cancer rates and mortality,” he noted. He assured that all necessary facilities for lung cancer evaluation and treatment are available within the Union Territory (UT).
Dr. Sheikh Aijaz, another leading oncologist in Kashmir, remarked that while lung cancer is a leading cause of death, it is both preventable and treatable. “Advancements in understanding molecular mechanisms and interventions are promising for the oncological community,” he said, stressing the critical importance of eliminating smoking.
The doctors pointed out that lung cancer is predominantly caused by smoking, affecting 90 percent of smokers, yet tobacco products remain widely accessible. This availability poses a challenge to reducing smoking rates. They explained that while the risk of developing cancer decreases when smokers quit, some residual risk persists.
Additionally, they noted that poor air quality contributes to lung cancer among non-smokers, further increasing its incidence.
According to the doctors, primary causes of lung cancer include smoking, secondhand smoke, radon exposure, asbestos exposure, air pollution, and genetic factors. Symptoms to watch for include a persistent and worsening cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, hoarseness, and frequent lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis.
To prevent lung cancer, doctors recommend lifestyle changes and risk mitigation strategies, such as quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, testing for radon, ensuring occupational safety, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and screening high-risk individuals.
It is noteworthy that the prevalence of smoking tobacco in J&K is 20.8 percent, the sixth highest in India, following Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
National Health Survey data indicates varying tobacco use by district: Kupwara 56%, Shopian 52%, Anantnag and Bandipora 49% each, Budgam 48%, Pulwama 44%, Ganderbal 42%, Baramulla and Kulgam 41% each, and Srinagar 38%. According to GATS 2 data, 35.2% of men, 5.1% of women, and 20.8% of all adults in J&K smoke tobacco—(KNO).
