Medical experts say Kashmir falls within the Asian oesophageal cancer belt, with 20 to 40 cases reported per lakh population.
Kashmir continues to report a relatively high burden of oesophageal cancer, with doctors linking the trend to cultural habits, environmental exposure, and improved diagnosis. Experts have identified very hot Noon Chai, tobacco use, and fungal contamination in stored food as major risk factors behind the growing concern in the Valley.
Experts Link Kashmir to Asian Oesophageal Cancer Belt
According to Dr Shahid Wani, Head of the Oncology Department at Government Medical College Anantnag, Kashmir forms part of the “Asian oesophageal cancer belt.” This region stretches from the Caspian littoral of Iran through Central Asia to northern China. Kashmir shares similar disease patterns with these regions.
Dr Wani said the Valley records around 20 to 40 cases per lakh population. In comparison, Punjab reports nearly 5 cases per lakh despite higher pesticide use. This indicates that lifestyle and environmental factors may play a bigger role.
Hot Noon Chai May Cause Repeated Internal Damage
Doctors highlighted the widespread use of Noon Chai, or salted tea, in Kashmiri households. The concern is not the drink itself, but its very high temperature when consumed, especially during winter.
Chronic exposure to extremely hot beverages can damage the mucosal lining of the oesophagus and stomach. Repeated thermal injury over time may increase the risk of oesophageal and gastric cancers.
Fungal Contamination in Food Raises Health Concerns
Experts also warned about traditional food drying and storage practices. Improper drying or storage of vegetables and food items can lead to fungal contamination.
This contamination can produce mycotoxins such as aflatoxins. These are classified as Group 1 carcinogens. While aflatoxins are more strongly linked to liver cancer, they may increase overall carcinogenic exposure in daily diets.
Tobacco Use Remains a Major Risk Factor
Smoking and swallowing tobacco juices were identified as major contributors to gastrointestinal cancers. These habits expose the digestive tract to carcinogens and increase the risk of oesophageal and stomach cancers.
Doctors have advised people in Kashmir to avoid very hot beverages, ensure proper food storage, and stay away from tobacco in all forms to reduce cancer risk.
Doctors Stress Awareness and Early Detection
Dr Wani said the prevalence of oesophageal cancer may have been high in earlier decades as well, but many cases went unreported due to limited screening facilities. Better medical infrastructure and advanced diagnostics are now detecting more cases.
Medical experts are calling for public awareness, early screening, and lifestyle changes to reduce the burden of gastrointestinal cancers in the region.
- Kashmir reports 20 to 40 oesophageal cancer cases per lakh population
- Region is part of the Asian oesophageal cancer belt
- Very hot Noon Chai may cause repeated internal injury
- Fungal contamination in stored food can increase carcinogenic exposure
- Tobacco use remains a major cause of digestive cancers
- Doctors urge awareness, screening, and lifestyle changes
FAQs
Experts say Kashmir falls in the Asian oesophageal cancer belt and reports 20 to 40 cases per lakh population.
Doctors say the main risk comes from drinking it at extremely high temperatures, not the tea itself.
Fungal contamination can produce mycotoxins like aflatoxins, which are known carcinogens.
Yes, smoking and tobacco consumption expose the digestive tract to cancer-causing chemicals.
People should avoid very hot drinks, stop using tobacco, and store food properly.
Conclusion
Kashmir’s high burden of oesophageal cancer has raised concern among health experts. Public awareness, early diagnosis, and simple lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk in the region.
