Rohit Goja
Srinagar June 30 In Kashmir valley, among the majority of diagnosed cancer patients, more than 19.2 percent of patients were suffering from stomach cancer— highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.
The study in this regard published earlier in May this year investigated the incidence, demographic characteristics, and distribution of stomach cancer across the Kashmir Valley, with a focus on regional variations.
The study analysed regional variations in stomach cancer incidence and demographic factors. Hotspot analysis was conducted to identify high-risk areas, while clustering techniques were applied to detect spatial patterns in disease distribution. Trend analysis was performed to assess the changes in stomach cancer cases over the study period.
The results of the study revealed a significant increase in stomach cancer incidence across all districts of the Kashmir Valley, with the highest rates observed in South Kashmir. “Hotspot analysis identified areas with a high concentration of cases in urban areas, particularly in districts such as Anantnag, Pulwama, and Srinagar.”
“Clustering methods highlighted specific regions with persistent high incidence. Trend analysis indicated a steady rise in cases, with a notable peak in 2023. The majority of cases were male, with the highest incidence observed in individuals aged 60–79 years,” reads the study.
It also states that stomach cancer incidence in the Kashmir Valley is on the rise, with significant regional variations identified through spatial analysis.
“The use of hotspot and clustering methods has provided valuable insights into high-risk areas, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions. Further research into local environmental, dietary, and genetic factors is essential to better understand the increasing burden of stomach cancer in the region,” reads the conclusion of the study.
The study further reveals that stomach cancer was the leading one with 19.2 percent of patients diagnosed with this malignancy followed by esophagus (18.5 percent) and lung cancers (16.6) percent.
It also found that men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with cancer and most patients are aged 65 to 69. The study also highlights a high incidence of esophagus, stomach, and lung cancers in both sexes in the Kashmir Valley.
