National Cancer Awareness Day (India)

Since 2014, India has marked November 7 as National Cancer Awareness Day annually. Raising public awareness of cancer prevention, detection, and treatment is the focus of this day. 

Promoting knowledge about cancer prevention, early detection, and accessible treatment choices also remains the goal of National Cancer Awareness Day. 

It also marks the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, the renowned Polish-French physicist and chemist who was born in 1867 and received a Nobel Prize for her contributions to science.

Her groundbreaking discoveries of radium and polonium continue to be crucial in the ongoing fight against cancer. Marie Curie’s pioneering research laid the foundation for the development of radiation therapy, a vital technique in contemporary cancer treatment.

National Cancer Awareness Day aims to promote understanding of cancer prevention, early detection, and available treatment options. The National Cancer Control Programme was launched in 1975 to improve cancer treatment facilities across the country. By 1984-85, the programme shifted its emphasis towards cancer prevention and early detection, reflecting the growing recognition of their importance in combating the disease.

National Cancer Awareness Day: History And Significance

In September 2014, India’s Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan, established National Cancer Awareness Day. A committee was formed, and November 7 was selected as the annual observance day to educate the public about cancer, its treatment, and the importance of early intervention in significantly increasing survival rates.

When cancer is diagnosed, nearly 50 per cent of cases are already in advanced stages, significantly diminishing the chances of successful treatment. However, early detection can play a big role in complete recovery. By employing various screening techniques, it is possible to identify cancer or precancerous changes at an earlier stage, providing an opportunity for interventions that can prevent or delay the disease’s progression.

On National Cancer Awareness Day, people are encouraged to take advantage of free screenings available at municipal clinics, Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) facilities, and government hospitals. The observance is typically highlighted by the distribution of informative pamphlets aimed at raising awareness about early symptoms and effective cancer prevention strategies.

National Cancer Awareness Day: Types Of Cancer

Cancer, one of the most serious diseases worldwide, has become increasingly prevalent both globally and in India. This term includes a broad range of illnesses that can affect any part of the body, often referred to as neoplasms or malignant tumours.

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in the development of cancer. It is not surprising that sedentary habits, low levels of physical activity, and obesity have been associated with a heightened risk of breast and colon cancer.

In men, the most commonly diagnosed cancers include lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers. For women, the most prevalent types are breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancers.

National Cancer Awareness Day: Causes

Cancer arises through a multi-stage process that transforms healthy cells into tumour cells, typically progressing from a precancerous lesion to a malignant tumour. As individuals age, their risk of developing specific malignancies increases, which likely accounts for the sharp rise in cancer incidence associated with advancing age. This accumulation of risk factors is compounded by a decline in the effectiveness of cellular repair mechanisms that occur with age.

National Cancer Awareness Day: Preventive Measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the following measures can help lower the risk of cancer:

1.      Avoiding tobacco

2.      Maintaining a healthy body weight

3.      Consuming a nutritious diet that includes fruits and vegetables

4.      Engaging in regular physical activity

5.      Reducing or avoiding alcohol intake

6.      Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and HPV

7.      Steering clear of UV radiation (avoiding artificial tanning devices and prolonged sun exposure)

8.      Ensuring that radiation is used safely and appropriately in healthcare (for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes)

9.      Reducing exposure to air pollution, both indoors and outdoors.