Even though its incidence has declined in the last few years, Kangri Cancer is still prevalent in valley with fresh cases mostly being witnessed in remote areas.
Kangri, an earthen pot is widely used in Kashmir during winters when mercury dips below normal. Its continuous use led to Kangri Cancer, a unique skin malignancy that proved fatal in most of the cases.Valley Medical Oncologists say that despite raising awareness, a few new cases of Kangri cancer are still being witnessed in Valley which often raises complication among patients.
“It (Kangri Cancer) is showing a downward trend but we still come across a few cases. People are becoming aware about the hazards of excessive Kangri usage. Further the Kangri is being taken over by the modern gadgets which don’t lead to any kind of complications,” said Dr. Maqbool Lone, Incharge regional Cancer Centre Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science.
Kangri Cancer as per Medical Oncologists develops due to the exposure of skin to heat which initially leads to the scars and later develops into a type of skin cancer.
“Kangri Cancer is a thermal induced cancer which develops in patient’s skin due to the exposure of skin to continuous heat. Earlier it was common diseases among locals here as people belonged to poor section and did not have enough clothes to resist the heat emitted from Kangri. But now people don’t just remain indoors during winters and have changed their life style,” Dr. Lone added.
While changing life style is quoted as a reason for many types of cancers, decline in Kangri Cancer is also associated with the change since Kangri has been replaced by modern electric appliances.
Meanwhile Cancer Society of Kashmir (CSK) says that as many as 5-10 new cases of Kangri cancer are being detected per year.
“At present there is no proper cancer registry which can tell us about the number of cancer patients. But as per our daily observation, some 5 -10 new cases visit different health institutes for treatment of Kangri cancer every year. It often leads to the death of the patients who develop complication later after it spreads to chest or lymph nodes,” an official at CSK said.
He said that this type of cancer is mostly found among elderly people who use Kangri during winters for long duration.
Meanwhile CSK claims to hold awareness camps throughout the state to educate people about various precautions besides conducting free medical check-up of the populace.
“Our initiatives have worked to a large extent in combating cancer. We are continuously touring to various areas and inform people about cancer. We conduct free checkups besides providing medical treatment to the patients. The patients are being charged less for the tests and the medicines we provide to them,” said Dr. Ashiq Hussain Naqashbandi, CSK patron said.
