Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer globally, with approximately 80 percent of cases attributed to smoking. In Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), medical professionals emphasize that quitting smoking is the most effective strategy to reduce the incidence of lung cancer, which is exacerbated by deteriorating air quality in the region.
Smoking-Lung Cancer Connection
Dr. Zahoor, a leading oncologist at SKIMS Soura, highlighted the strong association between smoking and lung cancer. He stated, “It is the most common cancer globally and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. By quitting smoking, we can prevent more than 80 percent of lung cancers, thereby significantly reducing the cancer burden and related deaths.” He noted that all necessary modalities for evaluating and treating lung cancer are available within the Union Territory.
Dr. Sheikh Aijaz, another prominent oncologist in Kashmir, echoed these sentiments, asserting that lung cancer is preventable and treatable. He pointed out that new insights into molecular mechanisms and interventions provide hope, but the elimination of smoking remains critical.
Contributing Factors
While smoking accounts for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer cases among smokers, other risk factors include secondhand smoke, radon exposure, asbestos exposure, air pollution, and genetic predisposition. Symptoms of lung cancer to be vigilant about include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, hoarseness, and frequent lung infections.
Doctors recommend several lifestyle changes and risk mitigation strategies to prevent lung cancer:
Quitting smoking
Avoiding secondhand smoke
Testing for radon
Ensuring occupational safety
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Screening high-risk individuals
Smoking Prevalence in Jammu and Kashmir
The prevalence of tobacco use in J&K stands at 20.8 percent, making it the sixth highest in India. District-wise data reveals alarming rates of smoking: Kupwara (56 percent), Shopian (52 percent), Anantnag and Bandipora (49 percent each), Budgam (48 percent), Pulwama (44 percent), Ganderbal (42 percent), Baramulla and Kulgam (41 percent each), and Srinagar (38 percent). The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2) indicates that 35.2 percent of men, 5.1 percent of women, and 20.8 percent of all adults in J&K smoke tobacco.
Conclusion
The link between smoking and lung cancer is undeniable, with smoking being the leading cause of this deadly disease. As health professionals in J&K advocate for smoking cessation, they also stress the importance of addressing environmental factors that contribute to lung cancer. By implementing effective prevention strategies and raising awareness, the community can work towards reducing the incidence of lung cancer and improving public health outcomes.