National Cancer Awareness Day

Every year on November 7, India observes National Cancer Awareness Day to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The Indian Union Health Ministry first introduced this in 2014. This day highlights the urgent need to address cancer as a public health concern. Cancer awareness is crucial, as it encourages people to learn about early symptoms, screening methods, and the role lifestyle choices play in prevention. Here’s how this awareness day can help save lives and create a healthier future. 

The History of National Cancer Awareness Day

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the then Union Health Minister of India, first announced National Cancer Awareness Day in 2014. The urgency to raise awareness about early detection, which can often mean the difference between life and death, inspired the initiative. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent, detect, and effectively manage one-third of cancer cases globally.

Why National Cancer Awareness Day Matters

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with around 10 million deaths each year. In India alone, nearly 2.5 million people are living with cancer, and about 7 lakh million new cancer patients are registered every year. Despite these staggering numbers, the good news is that early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce cancer’s impact.

The impact of cancer in India

In India, cancer cases have risen due to lifestyle factors, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to healthcare in some areas. Here are some important statistics that illustrate the need for greater awareness and intervention:

Cancer Statistics in India

The estimated number of people living with the disease: is around 2.5 million

cancer statistics in India based by ICMR(Indian Council Of Medical Research) :

• New Cancer Cases (2022): Approximately 1,461,427 new cases, with a crude incidence rate of 100.4 per 100,000 individuals.
• Lifetime Cancer Risk: About 1 in 9 Indians are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
• Cancer Incidence Growth (2025): A projected increase of 12.8% in cancer incidence compared to 2020.

Leading Cancer Types

• Men: Lung cancer is the most common.
• Women: Breast cancer ranks highest.

Childhood Cancer

• Most Common Type: Lymphoid leukemia, representing 29.2% of cases in boys and 24.2% in girls among children aged 0-14 years.
• Total Childhood Cancer: 4% of all cancer cases in India are in children under 14.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

• Contributing Factors: High prevalence of tobacco (32.8%) and alcohol use, physical inactivity (41.3%), low fruit and vegetable intake (98.4 per cent below recommended levels), and high salt intake (8g/day).

Understanding cancer and its types.

Cancer occurs when cells in the body grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. The abnormal cells form tumors that disrupt normal body functions. There are many types of cancer, but they generally fall into five main categories:

Carcinomas: The most common type, which affects organs and glands, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Sarcomas: These begin in connective tissues, like muscles, bones, and cartilage.

Leukemias: cancer of the blood, which affects blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow.

Lymphomas: Starts in the lymphatic system, impacting the immune system.

Melanomas: cancer of the skin’s pigment cells.

Each type has specific symptoms and risk factors, but general signs of cancer include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain, unusual lumps, or changes in skin or moles.

Common types of cancers:

Breast cancer manifests as a lump in the breast or armpit, changes in breast shape, and unusual discharge.

Lung cancer: chronic cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and frequent infections.

Cervical cancer: unusual bleeding between periods, pain during intercourse, and pelvic pain.

Prostate Cancer: This cancer affects men. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Stomach Cancer: Also known as gastric cancer, the risk factors include diet, smoking, and infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

If these signs are persistent, it’s essential to seek medical advice, as early detection can make a significant difference in outcomes. If you or someone you know is struggling with cancer or is experiencing symptoms that are concerning, consult our best cancer specialists at Continental Hospitals.

Causes of Cancer

Lifestyle Factors: Unhealthy habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity can increase cancer risk.

Environmental Exposure: Contact with harmful substances like pesticides, heavy metals, and radiation can contribute to cancer development.

Infections: Certain viruses (e.g., HPV, hepatitis B/C) and bacteria are linked to specific cancers.

Genetic Predisposition: Inherited genetic mutations can raise the likelihood of developing certain cancers.

Age: The risk of cancer generally increases with age due to the accumulation of genetic mutations over time.

Can We Prevent Cancer?

While it's impossible to prevent all cancers, proactive choices can mitigate many types. Here are effective strategies to reduce cancer risk:

Quit tobacco: Avoiding all forms of tobacco significantly decreases the risk of cancer, particularly lung, mouth, and throat cancers.

Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower cancer risk. Limiting red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods is also beneficial.

Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week to maintain a healthy weight and hormone balance, both of which can influence cancer risk.

Vaccinate yourself: Vaccines like HPV and hepatitis B can prevent certain infections linked to cancer.

Limit alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol intake lowers the risk of liver, breast, and colon cancers.

Protect Your Skin: Using sunscreen and protective clothing can help prevent skin cancer.

Routine Screenings: Regular screenings can catch cancer early, improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.

National Cancer Awareness Day: significance

National Cancer Awareness Day in India highlights the significant impact of cancer on individuals and society. It aims to raise awareness about cancer signs, symptoms, and risk factors, promoting education and risk reduction. The day also encourages early detection, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings, especially for those at higher risk, to increase the chances of successful treatment. It also emphasizes the importance of increased research funding in India for better cancer detection and treatment technologies

Conclusion

National Cancer Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against cancer. Through education, prevention, and early detection, we can work together to reduce the burden of this disease. By understanding the most common types of cancer, recognizing the causes, and taking proactive steps towards prevention, we can make significant strides in fighting cancer.

Participate in Continental Hospitals Awareness Drive/Questionnaire: bit.ly/CancerSurvey_CHL