A prominent surgical oncologist from J&K, and an active proponent for establishing a not-for-profit cancer hospital, Dr. Fiaz Maqbool Fazili in conversation with Rising Kashmir’s online editor, Insha Shirazi discusses the magnitude and profile of cancer in Kashmir. With a strong focus on oncology, Dr Fazili has served on international tumor board, championed breast cancer awareness, and authored many educational materials on cancer awareness prevention. He has published multiple research papers and is actively involved in healthcare initiatives
Excerpts
RK: Could you briefly describe the cancer scenario in Kashmir?
Dr. Fazili : The most pressing issues include a rising incidence of breast, cervical, GIT and lung cancers. Factors contributing to this surge include increased tobacco use, environmental pollutants, dietary and lifestyle changes leading to obesity and sedentary habits. Additionally, late-stage diagnosis remains a significant problem due to lack of awareness and limited access to screening programs, which hampers effective treatment and increases mortality rates.
RK: How do modifiable risk factors contribute to the cancer surge in Kashmir?
Dr. Fazili: Modifiable risk factors play a substantial role in the increasing cancer rates in Kashmir. Sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, including smoking and chewing, is a leading cause of various cancers such as breast , lung, esophageal and skin . Dietary habits, like high consumption of processed foods and low intake of fruits and vegetables, contribute to cancers like colorectal and stomach. By addressing these modifiable factors through targeted interventions, we can potentially reduce the cancer burden significantly.
RK: Dr. Fazili, could you outline the current state of Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure in relation to cancer prevention and treatment?
Dr Fazili: Certainly, Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure has seen significant improvements over the past decade, especially with the establishment of our state-of-the-art multispecialty cancer hospital. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care and early detection services is limited. Infrastructure gaps include insufficient screening facilities, limited availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and a shortage of trained oncology professionals. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing cancer prevention and treatment outcomes in the region.
RK: What government policies are currently in place to combat cancer in Kashmir, and how effective have they been?
Dr. Fazili: The government has implemented several policies, including the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), which aims to provide comprehensive cancer care and promote preventive measures. Additionally, initiatives like free screening camps and subsidized treatment services have been introduced. While these policies have laid a foundational framework, their effectiveness is often limited by inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of widespread awareness. Recently, Health Minister announced purchasing LINAC for SKIMS is a welcome step .Strengthening these policies with better resource allocation and robust implementation strategies is essential for achieving desired outcomes.
RK : How important is early detection in improving cancer outcomes, and what steps are being taken in Kashmir to facilitate this?
Dr. Fazili: Early detection is critical as it significantly improves treatment success rates and survival outcomes. In Kashmir, we are enhancing early detection through widespread screening programs for common cancers like breast, cervical, and colorectal. Although our multispecialty cancer hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, in remote areas there are accessibility and affordability issues, and we are training healthcare professionals to recognize early signs of cancer who can go to remote areas. Additionally, we are implementing community-based screening drives and utilizing mobile units through mobile vans (Caravan type with diagnostic or screening facilities) or through organized camps to reach underserved populations, ensuring that early detection services are accessible to all.
RK : How important are collaborations between local hospitals, research institutions, and international organizations in advancing cancer prevention efforts in Kashmir?
Dr. Fazili: Collaborations are extremely important as they bring together diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives to tackle cancer prevention comprehensively. Partnering with local hospitals and research institutions can facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices, leading to more effective prevention strategies. International organizations can provide access to cutting-edge research, funding, and advanced technologies that may not be readily available locally. These collaborations also enable capacity building through training programs and workshops, enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals.
RK : What initiatives are you most proud of in your role as Director of the NGO, particularly in relation to preventive oncology in Kashmir?
Dr. Fazili: I am particularly proud of our “Screen and Care” initiative, which has successfully conducted over 50 mobile screening camps across remote areas of Kashmir, reaching thousands of individuals who previously had limited access to cancer screening services. Additionally, our collaboration with local schools to integrate cancer education into the curriculum has been instrumental in raising awareness among young people. Establishing support groups for cancer patients and their families has also been a significant achievement, providing emotional and psychological support to those affected. These initiatives have not only increased early detection rates but have also fostered a community-driven approach to cancer prevention and care.
RK : Finally, Dr. Fazili, if you could suggest one immediate action to improve cancer prevention in Kashmir, what would that be?
Dr. Fazili: If I could suggest one immediate action, it would be to launch a comprehensive public awareness campaign focused on the most prevalent and preventable cancers in Kashmir. This campaign should utilize all available platforms; print, digital, community events to educate the population about modifiable risk factors, the importance of early detection, and the available screening services. By increasing awareness and encouraging proactive health behaviors, we can make a significant impact on reducing the cancer burden in the region.
