Kashmir Can’t Afford Late Diagnoses Anymore

AI and precision oncology are transforming breast cancer care, but doctors say early screening remains Kashmir’s biggest need.

- Aashiq Hussain Andrabi

Every October, Kashmir, like much of the world, turns pink. Ribbons decorate hospital walls, social media floods with statements, and everyone talks about awareness.

But behind all the colour and campaigns, a painful truth remains: too many women are still being diagnosed too late.

Breast cancer has become the most common cancer among women across India. In Kashmir too, doctors are seeing a steady rise, especially among younger women.

“Symbolism doesn’t save lives, early action does,” says Dr. Shabnam Bashir, Director of Surgical Oncology, Division of Breast & Colorectal Cancers & Non-Cancer Disorders at Paras Hospital, Srinagar.

Dr. Shabnam has treated countless women who come in when the disease has already advanced. Many delay checkups because of hesitation, stigma, or lack of awareness.

“The pink ribbon should remind us to act, not just observe,” she says.

To her, awareness is essentially about starting conversations at home, getting regular screenings, and breaking the silence that still surrounds breast health in Kashmir.

She believes the fight against breast cancer is entering a new phase. Artificial Intelligence is helping detect tumours earlier, and precision oncology now allows doctors to design treatments that fit each patient's unique needs.

Survival rates are improving, but Dr. Shabnam says technology alone cannot save lives. “Unless women feel safe to speak up and seek help early, we will keep losing precious time.”

In a detailed conversation with Kashmir Observer, the oncologist explains how timely screening, empathy, and open discussion can help change the story of breast cancer in the valley.

Every October, everything turns pink: ribbons, T-shirts, campaigns. But does it actually make a difference?

It can, if we let it. The pink is powerful, but only when it leads to action.

Awareness without follow-through is like lighting a candle and walking away before it burns.