Generations of Kashmiri families living under one roof face the harsh reality of cancer diagnoses. From grandparents to young parents, the impact is felt on emotional, financial, and practical levels, immediately affecting the entire family.

Working-class families in Kashmir share their struggles and hopes as they navigate the challenges of cancer treatment. The burden of hospital bills, coupled with lost income due to caregiving responsibilities, takes a toll on families.

Every hospital visit becomes a financial setback for drivers, shopkeepers, and laborers who sacrifice a day’s pay for the journey from distant areas to major cities for treatment.

The financial strain of cancer treatment forces families to make difficult choices, such as selling off valuable assets like land and orchards, impacting their future security and inheritance for children.

In the midst of caregiving, caregivers themselves become hidden patients, shouldering the physical and emotional burden of caring for their loved ones.

Social comparisons and pressures add to the emotional burden, leading some families to resort to risky financial ventures to cover treatment costs, further exacerbating their challenges.

Early detection and community support are crucial in easing the financial and emotional burden on Kashmiri families facing cancer. Community cancer funds can provide much-needed relief by pooling resources to support families through treatment, travel expenses, and caregiver assistance.

By establishing community funds in every neighborhood and village, Kashmiri communities can come together to offer support in times of need. Contributions to these funds can make a significant difference in ensuring that families do not have to resort to extreme measures to cover medical expenses.

Through early awareness, honest family planning, and strong social support, Kashmiri families can navigate the challenges of cancer treatment with greater resilience and solidarity.

Supporting each other through community funds not only eases the financial burden but also fosters a sense of unity and care within the community, standing together in the face of adversity.