New Delhi: While breast and lung cancer are among the most common cancers in India. kashmir Facing a distinct burden of cancer, colon cancer is emerging as a major concern. Concerned over the high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer in the Valley, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched a special initiative to strengthen cancer screening, early diagnosis and treatment in Jammu and Kashmir.More than 14 lakh cancer cases are reported every year in India, and Jammu and Kashmir is expected to record more than 67,000 cancer cases between 2018 and 2024. According to ICMR, gastrointestinal cancer, especially stomach cancer, is highly prevalent in the Kashmir Valley, followed by esophageal and colorectal cancer.To address the increasing burden, ICMR has invited research teams from Jammu and Kashmir to develop and test a model for large-scale cancer prevention and screening through the public health care system. The initiative will focus on oral, breast, cervical and gastrointestinal cancers.Under the programme, adults aged 40 years and above will be screened for gastrointestinal cancer, women aged 30 years and above for breast cancer, sexually active women aged 30-60 years for cervical cancer and adults aged 18 years and above for oral cancer. The screening will be done through district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centers and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.Dr Rommel Tikku, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Saket, said Jammu and Kashmir continues to have a high burden of stomach, esophageal and colorectal cancers due to a combination of traditional dietary practices, Helicobacter pylori infection, tobacco use, genetic susceptibility and changing lifestyles such as obesity and physical inactivity. He stressed that early detection through timely screening, especially in people over 40 years of age and those with risk factors, can significantly improve survival and help reduce cancer-related deaths in the region.The main focus will be on improving screening coverage, ensuring early diagnosis and connecting people who test positive to treatment services. The program will also involve health workers and communities to encourage participation in cancer prevention and screening.The four-year project aims to develop an evidence-based model for prevention, detection, early diagnosis and treatment that can be integrated into the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and potentially scaled up across Jammu and Kashmir.