National Cancer Awareness Day 2024: Raising Awareness, Inspiring Hope

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on November 7th in India. The day emphasizes how important it is for the general population to be more aware of cancer prevention and early detection. Initiated in 1975, the National Cancer Control Program aimed to provide cancer treatment facilities nationwide. In India, nearly 1.1 million new cases are being reported annually. Patients’ chances of survival are decreased since two-thirds of cancer cases are discovered at an advanced stage. Numerous initiatives have been launched to boost research on cancer prevention and early detection.

On National Cancer Awareness Day 2024, Dr. Sheetu Singh, a leading pulmonologist, highlights the crucial role of early detection and preventive care in the fight against lung cancer. She emphasizes that knowing early warning symptoms, like a persistent cough, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss, is crucial to identifying lung cancer at its most treatable stages. She has years of experience in respiratory health.

Dr. Sheetu Singh advocates for regular screenings, especially for individuals at higher risk, including smokers and those exposed to environmental pollutants. She also has an immense stake in educating people about lifestyle changes that can dramatically lower the risk of cancer.

Cough Specialist, Chest Specialist, Sleep Apnea Specialist, Asthma Specialist, Lung Specialist

The Theme for National Cancer Awareness Day 2024

The theme for National Cancer Awareness Day in 2024 is to raise awareness about early detection, cancer prevention, and improving access to treatment.

History of National Cancer Awareness Day  

First declared in September 2014 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, National Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually on November 7th to raise awareness of early detection and the need to avoid leading lifestyles that contribute to cancer. Harsh Vardhan launched a state-level of cancer control, encouraging early detection and research into curing cancer. On National Cancer Awareness Day, citizens are also encouraged to visit municipal clinics, CGHS, and government hospitals for a free screening.

Additionally, brochures circulate to raise awareness about early symptom detection and cancer prevention. In 1975, the National Cancer Programmed was initiated to provide cancer treatment facilities in India. From 1984 to 1985, the program was changed to emphasize cancer prevention and early detection. On November 7, we celebrate National Cancer Awareness Day, which falls on the anniversary of the birth of Madame Curie, the scientist who won the Nobel Prize.

Marie Curie, who was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1867, is renowned for discovering polonium and radium and for making a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. Her work led to the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Every year, around 1.1 million new cases are reported in India. In India, it is believed that one woman passes away from cervical cancer every eight minutes. 

In 2018, 3,17,928 deaths in men and women were related to tobacco use, including smoking. More than 25% of cancer deaths in men are caused by malignancies of the mouth and lungs, while 25% of cancer deaths in women are caused by cancers of the breast and mouth.

National Cancer Awareness Day Timeline 

• 1867 (The Birth of a Genius): Born in Warsaw, Poland, Marie Currie is a renowned scientist who is most known for her contributions to the creation of nuclear energy and radio for the treatment of cancer. Her birthdate is remembered in India, as the day of National Cancer Awareness Day.
• 1911 (Nobel Prize Winner): Marie Currie’s breakthrough in radioactivity earns her her second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry.
• 1975 (Cancer Detection Programs Launched): India launched the National Cancer Control Program to provide cancer treatment services.
• 2014 (The Importance of Cancer Awareness): Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, is the first to establish National Cancer Awareness Day. 
• 2018 ( Scary Statistics): Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, advises against smoking because it can cause cancer. Smoking and smokeless tobacco use are responsible for 3,17,928 deaths among men and women in India.

How to Observe National Cancer Awareness Day

• Get a Screening 

Early detection of cancer can be life-saving. Every year, be sure to schedule a test appointment. Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhilai, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Delhi-NCR, Ernakulam, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Kannur, Kochi, Kolkata, Kolhapur, Kollam, Kottayam, Madurai, Mohali, Mumbai, Nagpur, Palakkad, Pathankot, Patna, Pondicherry, Pune, Sangli, Surat, Tirunelveli, Trichy, and Vellore are the cities that offer cancer screening and detection services.

• Inform Friends and Family About Early Detection

The main goal of National Cancer Awareness Day is to educate those you care about cancer prevention. To raise knowledge of how to prevent cancer and how to spot early symptoms, search online or distribute an information booklet.

• Read up About Marie Currie

Every year, November 7th is designated as National Cancer Awareness Day to honor Marie Currie’s birth. The 1867-born physicist is renowned for her groundbreaking contributions that resulted in the creation of nuclear energy and the use of radiotherapy to cure cancer. Make sure to note her Nobel Prizes in the field of science.

FAQs

What is National Cancer Awareness Day?

Every year on November 7th, people celebrate National Cancer Awareness Day to increase knowledge about cancer, support early detection, and encourage cancer-preventative measures. The day highlights the significance of understanding cancer risks, early warning signs, and preventative strategies in order to lessen the disease’s influence on both people and society as a whole.

Why is Cancer Awareness important?

Raising awareness is essential because it informs people about the early warning symptoms of cancer, encourages prompt screenings, and supports risk-lowering healthy lifestyle choices. Since early detection greatly enhances treatment results, raising awareness is essential to the fight against cancer.

How can early detection improve cancer outcomes?

A better prognosis and more effective therapy are typically the results of early discovery, which enables intervention when the cancer is still in its early stages. For example, the survival rate of malignancies discovered at stage 1 is higher than that of cancers discovered at later stages. Regular screenings for certain cancers can be life-saving.

What are the common signs and symptoms of cancer to look out for?

Common warning signs include persistent cough, changes in moles or skin, fatigue, weight loss, unusual lumps, changes in bowel or bladder habits. It is imperative that you get medical advice if you have any of these symptoms for an extended length of time.

Are there specific lifestyle changes that can reduce cancer risk?

Yes, numerous cancers can be prevented by eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, abstaining from tobacco, drinking in moderation, and shielding the skin from the sun. Additionally, staying up-to-date with vaccination and regular screenings also lowers cancer risks.