21 Jan, 2025
21 Jan, 2025
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Swain, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, HCG Panda Cancer Hospital, Cuttack.
India observes National Cancer Awareness Day every year on November 7, marking a critical reminder of the importance of cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. With millions affected globally, cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide.
The observance of National Cancer Day in India helps people learn how to identify cancer symptoms early on. It also brings communities, healthcare professionals, and individuals together to advocate for cancer prevention.
While many know about World Cancer Day, not many know about National Cancer Awareness Day. In this article, we are delving into understanding various aspects of National Cancer Awareness Day and learning why it is important for society to be a part of it.
For 2024, National Cancer Day will focus on prevention, detection, and support. This is intended to strengthen society and individuals by providing information about prevention, the significance of timely identification, and the role of care services in oncology.
National Cancer Awareness Day in India was first observed in 2014. The main aim was to teach the country’s population about the importance of getting tested regularly for timely detection, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and being aware of the initial signs of tumors so they can get treated early if needed.
The initiative aligns with the vision of Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the ex-Health Minister of India, who emphasized cancer awareness and affordable treatment accessible to everyone. He wished all Indians to understand that they could reduce their cancer risk and detect it in time for possible remedies. The basis of his campaign emphasized the need to mobilize funds and ensure that people across the country can easily receive medical treatment against cancer.
National Cancer Awareness Day is important as it brings the entire country together to foster a unified fight against cancer.
With cancer having a huge impact on our society, such important days are crucial for reducing stigma, promoting education, and encouraging preventive measures. This day enlightens people about some overlooked aspects of cancer, such as lifestyle factors, environmental risks, and genetic predispositions—ensuring that knowledge and resources reach vulnerable communities.
Additionally, these observances are pivotal for fundraising, supporting patients, and advocating for research.
The cancer awareness logo used in the National Cancer Awareness Day is a sign of hope and strength; it has an internationally known symbol for cancer awareness, a ribbon.
The slogan “Together We Can Fight Against Cancer” signifies how every individual’s contribution is essential towards overcoming cancer; it highlights oneness among different societies, medical facilities, as well as families. Every detail in the emblem and words themselves is important because they remind us visually that preventing cancer, finding it in time, and receiving timely care are united steps for a better tomorrow.
Every year, the world identifies approximately 10 million new instances of cancer. Cancer has become more common in India, especially breast, cervical, oral, and lung cancers on the rise. India records more than 1 million cancer diagnoses annually, most of which occur at advanced stages due to a lack of enough facilities, hence leading to many deaths.
Cancer puts a heavy burden on families both financially and emotionally; most patients cannot afford high-quality medical care. The cancer awareness campaigns initiated on National Cancer Day are of paramount importance, as they raise awareness on preventing healthcare, undergoing health checkups for early treatment, modern cancer treatment approaches, as well as the social support that cancer patients can seek.
Understanding preventive measures for cancer is crucial in reducing cancer risk. Some of the most effective ways to lower the chances of cancer include:
1. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eating a mix of fruits, vegetables, and cereals can help lower the chances of getting cancer. It is also important to avoid junk food, sweeteners, and bad fats.
2. Avoiding Tobacco: Smoking causes many types of cancer, with lung cancer being the most common one. Avoiding tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke are very effective ways of cutting down the chances of getting cancer.
3. Regular Exercise: Engaging in exercise helps one with healthy weight management and improved immunity while also reducing their chances of getting cancer.
4. Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol is connected to various forms of cancer; therefore, one should drink moderately.
5. Early Screenings and Vaccinations: Regular checks for some types of cancer, like breast, cervix, and colon cancer, may identify abnormalities early. In addition, vaccines such as the HPV vaccine are important in averting malignancies resulting from specific infections.
6. Minimizing Sun Exposure: Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing can be one of the effective preventive measures against skin cancers caused by prolonged UV exposure.
7. Additional Reading: If you want to know more about reducing cancer risk, here is another detailed article on how to reduce your cancer risk: 7 Best Ways to Reduce Cancer Risk
Support for National Cancer Day can take many forms, from participating in cancer awareness programs to spreading information online and within your community. Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Organize or Attend Cancer Awareness Campaigns: A lot of communities host seminars, conferences, or activities that are centered around the prevention of cancer disease and education.
2. Volunteer with Cancer Support Organizations: Donating to nearby cancer charities or health groups is also something you can do on this National Cancer Awareness Day. You may also volunteer to spend time with cancer patients, which can boost their morale.
3. Share Information on Social Media: Digital platforms are great for promoting National Cancer Awareness Day, motivating people to engage and be updated.
4. Fundraise or Donate: Contributions are very helpful in financing cancer research, patient care, and cancer awareness campaigns. You can organize a fundraiser or contribute directly to anti-cancer organizations.
5. Advocate for Policy Changes: Advocate for policies that enhance the availability of affordable screenings, treatments, therapies, and cancer prevention plans.
6. Wear Cancer Awareness Colors: Pale blue and pink have been identified as National Cancer Day colors; wearing these colors can be one more way to show support and solidarity, encourage conversations, and spread awareness.
National Cancer Awareness Day reminds people that they can fight cancer effectively through education, timely detection and treatment, and adopting appropriate preventative measures. By joining hands in such activities and showing compassion to patients and their families, we can help our society fight cancer more effectively. The observance also strengthens the call for accessible healthcare, underscoring that every step taken today contributes to a healthier, cancer-free tomorrow.
HCG Cancer Centre, which is the leading hospital for cancer treatment in India, also observes National Cancer Awareness Day with meaningful campaigns and initiatives that raise awareness and change the way society sees cancer.
On National Cancer Awareness Day, let us think about what we can do individually or collectively to reduce the effects of cancer, increase strength, and promote optimism.
Author Bio : Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Swain
Consultant - Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS, FICS, FACS, MCh (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Swain is an experienced surgical oncologist with vast experience in performing various cancer surgeries. He is available for consultations at HCG Panda Cancer Hospital, a top-ranking cancer hospital in Cuttack. His treatment approach is to provide the best quality of care for his patients by providing the latest surgical techniques and evidence-based medical practices. He also believes in a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and strives to provide comprehensive care to his patients.
To book an appointment with Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Swain, please click here.
