National Cancer Awareness Day, celebrated on November 7, is a special day to learn about cancer and how we can prevent it. Over 13 lakh people are diagnosed with cancer each year in India, and around 8 lakh lose their lives to it. That's a huge number, right? But don't worry; there are ways we can reduce the risk.
Lifestyle plays a big part in the chances of getting cancer. High-risk lifestyle factors include smoking, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise. On the other hand, following healthy habits for good health by eating well, being active, and not using tobacco cut the chance. In recent times, big brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald's have begun paying attention to healthier product choices, showing that sometimes, the little things count.
Cancer prevention isn’t just about awareness; it’s about action. This day is important because it helps you understand the signs of cancer and the ways to detect it early. Early detection can make a huge difference! Regular check-ups and screenings can help find cancer before it gets serious. Little changes, like exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, can also reduce cancer risk.
Let’s use National Cancer Awareness Day to spread the word and fight cancer together. Your health is in your hands!
Table Of Contents
- Cancer In India - The Current Scenario
- When Is National Cancer Day in India?
- Importance of National Cancer Awareness Day
- Take Action: How To Prevent Cancer?
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Cancer Cases In India - The Current Scenario
Cancer is one of the rising causes of morbidity and mortality among Indians, with millions of cases annually. New cancer cases in India in 2020 have been reported at approximately 13.24 lakh, and the burden goes on increasing as lifestyle factors such as lack of exercise, population ageing, and environmental exposure prevail.
Tobacco usage remains the largest risk factor in lung, breast, or oral cancers and accounts for 25% of total cancers in women and nearly half of the cancers in men. Sadly enough, around 7 lakh new cases of cancer are diagnosed every year, most of them in advanced stages, so the sense of urgency to carry on public awareness, early detection, and prevention is particularly strong.
Also Read: Read This Blog To Know The Efficacy Of Yoga For Breast Cancer
When Is National Cancer Day in India?
November 7 is observed as National Cancer Awareness Day every year. It is basically done to spread awareness relating to the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in India. This observance falls on the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, the pioneering scientist, who dedicated her research to radiation therapy, which played a very significant role in cancer treatment.
History Of National Cancer Awareness Day
This initiative was launched in September 2014 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, then Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, to address the rising cancer rates and the importance of early medical intervention. Some of the activities carried out on this day include public campaigns, health screenings, and seminars held within healthcare facilities and other organisations educating the public on how to identify cancer and how they can ensure reduced risk factors.
Importance of National Cancer Awareness Day
National Cancer Awareness Day, observed annually on November 7, serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about the escalating cancer burden in India. With an estimated 1,461,427 new cancer cases projected in 2024, the need for public education on prevention, early detection, and treatment has never been more urgent.
This day serves as a reminder of the need to understand and work on a stratification approach that cancer can take through various socio-economic backgrounds, but more importantly, of the role played by NCRP in systematically collecting data from 7,757 sources to inform action and research. By spreading awareness, we empower people to take control of their health.
The stats related to cancer in India are shocking. One in nine people is expected to get a cancer diagnosis sometime in their life. On the rise and dominance among men are lung cancers, while breast cancers rank first among women. A 12.8% increase in cancer incidence by 2025 emphasises urgency in tackling lifestyle factors responsible for this upward trend. National Cancer Awareness Day encourages discussions about risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use—reported at 32.8% and 41.3%, respectively—as well as the importance of regular screenings that can significantly improve survival rates.
Other than calling for awareness, this day celebrates the strength of cancer survivors and also mourns those who lost the battle against it. It raises a reminder that better results can be achieved when fighting cancer if concerted efforts are placed towards education, lifestyle changes, and eventually, early detection. Participating in events under National Cancer Awareness Day is contributing to a bigger movement toward ensuring that the cancer burden is reduced in India and public health care outcomes are improved for the future.
Take Action: How To Prevent Cancer?
Prevention is a key strategy to reduce the incidence of cancer. Many cancers can be prevented or detected early through simple lifestyle changes and regular check-ups. Below are some effective strategies:
1. Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol Use
The highest risk factor leading to cancer is tobacco consumption. More than 50% of cancers among men and some percentage among women are attributed to tobacco consumption. Abstinence from tobacco and regulation of alcohol cuts down the scope of cancerous risks.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps to lower the risk of certain cancers. Incorporating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, which contains sulforaphane, can aid in detoxifying potential cancer-causing agents in the body. Follow a healthy diet routine by trying ToneOp Fit’s Balanced Diet Plan with region-based recipes and dietitian support.
3. Exercise Regularly
The benefits of physical activity are linked to reduced cancer risk, especially for breast and colon cancers. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily can improve immune function and help maintain a healthy weight.
You can register in ToneOp Fit's Live Home Workout Session or Live Yoga Session and get on the road to working out in the comfort of your very own home.
4. Protect Yourself from Sun Exposure
Skin cancers are caused mainly by ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, and one can reduce exposure by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and staying away from direct sunlight during peak hours.
5. Get Vaccinated Against HPV and Hepatitis B
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are more than 99% effective against cancers caused by this virus, which include cervical cancer. Likewise, hepatitis B vaccines have been similarly effective in cancers caused by this virus, specifically liver cancer.
6. Schedule Regular Cancer Screenings
Cancer screening, including breast, cervical, and colorectal, enables early detection of the disease and thereby improves the outcome of the treatment. Detected early, mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies can be vital tools.
7. Limit Processed and Red Meat Consumption
Processed meat contains nitrates, which are linked to increased risks of cancers. Cutting down the intake of red and processed meat intake is known to reduce risks, especially of colon cancer.
8. Manage Stress Effectively
Chronic stress influences immune function and is associated with an increased chance of cancer. To prevent stress, add stress relief workouts or yoga for stress management in your routine. Meditation and deep breathing can also help one in controlling daily stress.
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Also Read: International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024: History, Importance, Debunking Myths And Support Tips
The Final Say
National Cancer Awareness Day concentrates much effort on raising awareness about how vital it is to prevent cancer and also to detect it early, helping people educate themselves and others.
We can help save lives by understanding the cancer risk factors and recognising the early signs. Also, keep in mind that little lifestyle changes have a huge impact on the overall quality of life. Make sure to eat healthy, exercise regularly and abstain from tobacco. Regular screening should be done, and the word spread about it in the community. Remember, an action before is the cornerstone of prevention in the future.
FAQs
1. What day is National Cancer Day?
November 7 is observed as National Cancer Awareness Day.
2. When is National Cancer Month?
National Cancer Month in India is observed in April each year.
3. Which is the most widespread form of cancer in India?
The most widespread form of cancer in India is breast cancer for women and lung cancer for men, with breast cancer accounting for 26.3% of all female cancers and lung cancer representing 8% of male cancers.
4. What is the major cause of cancer in India?
The major cause of cancer in India is tobacco use, which is responsible for nearly 40% of all cancer cases, significantly increasing the risk of lung, oral, and throat cancers.
5. What are the effective vaccines for cervical cancer in India?
Effective vaccines for cervical cancer in India include the Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines, both of which protect against the most common strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause cervical cancer.
References
- https://www.pacehospital.com/national-cancer-awareness-day
- https://ncdirindia.org/display/wcd.aspx
- https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/national-cancer-awareness-day-2024-date-significance-history-quotes-messages-and-theme-of-this-special-day-10199066
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