A Spectrum of Skin Cancer in Kashmir Valley of India: Kangri Cancer

• Published in: Journal of atoms and molecules Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 1196 - 1205
• Main Authors: Sharma, Harish, Rajeshwari, Sahu, Uma, Kumar, Gyanesh, Kaur, Chanchal Deep
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chennai Journal of Atoms and Molecules 01.01.2019
• Subjects: Alertness; Alzheimer's disease; Arthritis; Baskets; Cancer; Colorectal cancer; Drug delivery systems; Drug dosages; Kaposis sarcoma; Medical research; Melanin; Melanoma; Microemulsions; Older people; Pharmaceutical sciences; Pharmacy; Skin cancer; Ultraviolet radiation; Valleys; Canada; India; Kashmir India

A skin cancer has been rising since the last few decades worldwide. Skin cancer is the most common carcinoma in the United States, affecting millions. It is also one of the most preventable cancers. Protecting the skin from UV light exposure and early detection through increased public alertness and skin screening are paramount to guarding against this disease. Conventional wisdom has it that the occurrence of all varieties of skin cancers is lower among Indians due to the protective effects of melanin. Though national surveys and cross-country statistics in India are unavailable, there are indirect indications from some smaller reports that skin cancer may be on the rise in India. Kangri cancer is peculiar to the valley of Kashmir as people of all age groups are accustomed to warm their bodies during harsh winters by the use of Kangri baskets. In fact, the clinical spectrum of skin cancer in Kashmir valley is entirely diverse from the rest of the country, which has been attributed to the use of Kangri in this geographical region. Novel management techniques currently available in India are also highlighted in this article.