With South Kashmir as epicenter of stomach cancers, GMC Anantnag forays into cancer research

Anantnag, Apr 6: As stomach and colorectal cancers show an alarming rise in South Kashmir, the Department of Radiation Oncology at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag has been recognized as a Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The HBCR program, initiated by ICMR under the National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP) in 1982, aims to systematically collect data on cancer patients from hospitals across India. Its objectives include assessing patient care, supporting clinical research to evaluate treatment protocols, and analyzing patterns and trends in cancer occurrence and outcomes. Until now, cancer data from South Kashmir was being sent to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).

However, with cancer patient registrations witnessing a steep rise—over 2,000 in the past four years and 550 in the last year alone—GMC Anantnag’s elevation as HBCR is significant for localized cancer care and research. “This recognition will significantly enhance the quality of cancer care in the region,” said Dr. Shahid Bashir Wani, Head of the Radiation Oncology Department. “Despite the absence of a radiation facility, we receive a large number of cancer patients, most of whom are diagnosed with stomach and colorectal cancers.”

He said that the prevalence of stomach cancer is highest in South Kashmir. At present, GMC Anantnag offers only chemotherapy services and patients who need concurrent therapies have to go to SMHS or SKIMS. However,  Dr Wani says plans are underway to establish a dedicated Radiation Oncology block. “We hope to soon have radiation therapy available here. This would require a separate facility equipped with sophisticated machinery.” The facility can later pave the way for the development of a much needed Regional Cancer Centre for south Kashmir.

The HBCR at GMC Anantnag is expected to enable comprehensive data collection and analysis.This will help healthcare professionals identify prevalent cancer types, evaluate treatment outcomes, and develop targeted strategies for prevention and control of the disease in the region.

The formalities with ICMR were managed by Peerzada Faizan Gul, a Radiation Therapist in the Department of Radiation Oncology, who also serves as the Official Point of Contact for the project. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Principal of GMC Anantnag, Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb; Director of ICMR, Dr. Prashant Mathur; and Dr. Shahid Bashir Wani, who is also the Principal Investigator of the project. Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmad Dar, Assistant Professor in the Radiation Oncology Department, has been appointed as Co-Investigator. Dr. Wani expressed gratitude to the staff for their commitment and thanked the Principal for her unwavering support to the Department.