National Cancer Awareness Day in India serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about the diverse types of cancer, the necessity for early detection, and the significance of lifestyle modifications in the fight against this life-threatening disease. Cancer has steadily been on the rise globally and in India, with one in 10 Indians likely to develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 succumbing to it, as per the International Agency for Research on Cancer's World Cancer Report released by the World Health Organization.
Lifestyle factors are often implicated in cancer development, with breast and colorectal cancer, for instance, associated with factors like excess weight, low physical activity, and sedentary living. National Cancer Awareness Day, observed on November 7 every year in India, aims to disseminate information regarding cancer symptoms, severity, and treatment. This initiative was initiated by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in India, in September 2014.
A committee was formed to designate November 7 as the day for annual observance. The primary objective is to educate the public about cancer, its treatment, and the pivotal role of early action in improving survival rates. More than half of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, significantly impacting survival prospects. Early detection is pivotal, as it offers a higher chance of full recovery and allows time for interventions that can slow down or prevent cancer progression.