The government of Jammu and Kashmir is set to implement a comprehensive, evidence‑based cancer control strategy with technical collaboration from NITI Aayog, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Health Research (DHR) following a high‑level consultation in New Delhi.
The consultation, convened at Bharat Mandapam and attended by senior officials from national agencies and the J&K administration, focused on developing a context‑specific cancer control framework tailored to regional disease patterns, existing health system capacity and long‑term sustainability. Discussions centred on strengthening cancer screening and early detection, with an emphasis on identifying priority cancer types suitable for population‑based programmes.
A phased, research‑linked approach will guide the adoption of the cancer control framework, aligned with national priorities. Preparations are underway to bolster early detection, referral systems and equitable access to quality cancer care across the Union Territory.
Plans emerging from the consultation include establishment of district‑level implementation models supported by structured implementation research to assess feasibility, coverage, cost‑effectiveness and health outcomes. Participants also proposed creating a Centre for Implementation Research in Oncology to generate scalable, real‑world solutions, strengthen palliative care integration and advance preventive oncology initiatives.
The strategy prioritises evidence‑based cancer prevention guidelines, enhanced information‑education‑communication mechanisms and community‑level engagement. Areas of focus include tobacco control, prevention of HPV‑related cancers, lifestyle risk reduction and tackling infection‑associated malignancies, such as those linked to Helicobacter pylori.
A key component of enhancing cancer policy planning is the development of a statewide cancer registry to support monitoring and evidence‑based decision‑making. Strengthening cancer care infrastructure, including molecular diagnostics, immunohistochemistry and clearly defined referral pathways anchored by Centres of Excellence, was also identified as a priority.
The comprehensive strategy is expected to shape future policy actions, research partnerships and health system strengthening efforts aimed at reducing the cancer burden and improving patient outcomes throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
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