Srinagar, Nov. 1 -- 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 advan...