Cancer is a major healthcare concern in India, with nearly 1.1 million cases being reported every year. India observes National Cancer Awareness Day on 7 November every year to raise awareness about early detection and lifestyle choices that increase our risk of cancer.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CANCER AWARENESS DAY
National Cancer Awareness Day was first announced by the Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan in September 2014, and that 7th November will be observed as National Cancer Awareness Day every year to generate awareness about early detection and avoid leading cancer-causing lifestyles.
National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on 7th November to coincide with the birth anniversary of the Novel-prize winning scientist Madame Curie. Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1867, Marie Curie is remembered for her discovery of radium and polonium, and her huge contribution to the fight against cancer. Her work led to the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
In India, nearly 1.1 million new cases are being reported annually. It is estimated that one woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. Tobacco (smoked and smokeless) use accounted for 3,17,928 deaths in men and women in 2018. Cancers of the oral cavity and lungs account for over 25% of cancer deaths in males and cancer of the breast and oral cavity account for 25% of cancers in females.
About Cancer
When abnormal growth of cells occurs in the body it results in cancer and invades other tissues also. It can affect almost any part of the body. Cancer is also known as malignancy. Did you know that more than 100 types of cancer exist including breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer, etc? National Cancer Awareness Day is observed across the country and was announced by the Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. According to him, it is high time we went into combative mode against this disease.