Srinagar, The Soura Institute of Medical Sciences in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a leading tertiary care hospital, has registered a significant number of cancer cases this year, surpassing 4,000, with a total of over 44,000 cases since 2014.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Soura hospital recorded 4,095 new cancer cases by September 2023. Since 2014, the institute has reported a total of 44,112 cancer cases. The annual data show a consistent rise in cancer cases in the region, with the year 2022 witnessing the highest number at 5,294 cases.

The breakdown of annual cancer cases at Soura hospital starts with 3,940 in 2014, increasing to 4,417 in 2015, followed by 4,320 in 2016, 4,352 in 2017, 4,816 in 2018, 4,337 in 2019, 3,814 in 2020, 4,727 in 2021, 5,294 in 2022, and 4,095 in 2023 till September.

Hospital officials noted a steep rise in cancer cases in Kashmir. Lung cancer has emerged as the most common type among men, while breast cancer is increasingly affecting women. Factors contributing to the rise in cancer cases include smoking, which is a primary cause among males, along with family history, obesity, age, and other factors.

The increasing trend of cancer cases at the Soura Institute of Medical Sciences highlights the growing health challenge in the region and underscores the need for enhanced medical facilities and awareness programs to address this critical issue.