Himalayan Express Exclusive
Jammu, Nov 2025:
The State Cancer Institute, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, has published its five-year Cancer Data Report (2020-2024) through the Hospital Based Cancer Registry (HBCR), offering the most extensive analysis yet of cancer trends in the Jammu region. A total of 9,427 cancer patients were registered between 2020 and 2024, revealing significant patterns in cancer types, staging, gender distribution, age groups, and district-wise burden.
Lung Cancer Is the Most Common Cancer in Jammu Region
The HBCR data shows that Lung Cancer is the leading cancer site with 1,338 cases (14.19%).
It is followed by:
Head & Neck: 1,005 cases (10.66%)
Breast Cancer: 704 cases (7.47%)
Hepato-biliary: 681 cases (7.22%)
Genito-urinary: 654 cases (6.94%)
Hematological: 653 cases (6.93%)
Esophagus: 519 cases (5.51%)
Oral: 519 cases (5.51%)
Cervix: 494 cases (5.24%)
Intestinal: 456 cases (4.84%)
Other cancers include:
CUPS: 410 cases (4.35%)
Ovary: 354 cases (3.76%)
Lymphoma: 305 cases (3.24%)
Stomach: 279 cases (2.96%)
Brain: 263 cases (2.79%)
Prostate: 233 cases (2.47%)
Bone & soft tissue: 210 cases (2.23%)
Other female cancers: 186 cases (1.97%)
Skin: 111 cases (1.18%)
Others: 53 cases (0.56%)
Majority of Patients Reached Hospital at Advanced Stages
The staging of registered patients shows a concerning pattern of late detection:
Stage I: 696 cases (7%)
Stage II: 1,958 cases (21%)
Stage III: 2,744 cases (29%)
Stage IV: 4,029 cases (43%)
The report states that the majority of patients presented in Stage III and Stage IV, reducing chances of timely and effective intervention.
District-Wise Cancer Burden: Jammu Accounts for 38.94% Cases
The distribution of cases across districts shows:
Jammu: 3,671 cases (38.94%)
Udhampur: 943 cases (10%)
Kathua: 855 cases (9.07%)
Doda: 694 cases (7.36%)
Rajouri: 675 cases (7.16%)
Samba: 580 cases (6.15%)
Reasi: 532 cases (5.72%)
Poonch: 424 cases (5.64%)
Kishtwar: 292 cases (4.50%)
Ramban: 222 cases (3.10%)
Others: 539 cases (2.35%)
The Jammu district alone contributes nearly two-fifths of all cancers registered in the region.
Significant Burden Among Middle-Aged and Elderly
The age-wise breakdown reveals:
60–80 years: 4,234 patients (44.91%)
40–60 years: 3,669 patients (38.92%)
20–40 years: 964 patients (10.23%)
0–20 years: 104 patients (1.10%)
Above 80: 456 patients (4.84%)
The data clearly indicates that cancer incidence peaks in senior age brackets, though nearly 1 in 10 patients are from the 20-40 age group.
Gender Distribution: Male Cases Higher
Out of 9,427 total cases:
Male patients: 5,351 (56.76%)
Female patients: 4,076 (43.23%)
The male-to-female ratio stands at 1.31:1, indicating notably higher prevalence among males.
Top Five Cancers Overall
Across both men and women, the five most common cancers are:
1. Lung Cancer: 30%
2. Head & Neck: 23%
3. Breast Cancer: 16%
4. Hepato-biliary: 16%
5. Genitourinary: 15%
Top Five Cancers in Males
The top male cancer sites include:
Lung: 1010 cases (32%)
Head & Neck: 810 cases (25%)
Genitourinary: 544 cases (17%)
Oral: 460 cases (14%)
Hematological: 369 cases (12%)
Top Five Cancers in Females
Among female patients, the leading cancers are:
Breast Cancer: 681 cases (30%)
Cervix: 494 cases (22%)
Hepato-biliary: 375 cases (17%)
Ovary: 354 cases (16%)
Lung: 328 cases (15%)
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in the region.
Understanding the Registry Process
The HBCR at GMC Jammu functions under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) of ICMR, initiated in 1981. Data collection follows a stringent, standardized process:
1. Data Collection: HBCR staff record each case using detailed forms.
2. Software Entry: Information is digitized into ICMR-NCDIR software.
3. Directory Publication: Data is published annually in NCDIR directories.
4. International Transmission: Data is shared with IARC, France.
5. Global Publication: Included in Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) series.
The report states that the registry “ensures accuracy, consistency, and contributes to national and global cancer epidemiology.”
Conclusion: Late Detection, High Lung Cancer Burden Major Concerns
The GMC Jammu’s five-year analysis highlights:
High burden of lung cancer, particularly among males.
Late-stage detection in 72% cases, indicating screening gaps.
Majority of cases from Jammu district, followed by Udhampur and Kathua.
Predominant impact on elderly, though younger age groups are not untouched.
Higher cancer incidence among males.
The HBCR emphasizes the need for enhanced screening programs, early diagnosis initiatives, preventive awareness campaigns, and region-wise cancer control strategies.
