All You Need To Know About National Cancer Awareness Day

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death all across the world. What adds to the woe is lack of awareness about this disease. In India only, nearly 1.1 million new cases of various types of cancer are being reported on an annual basis. Having the right knowledge on symptoms, treatment, prevention, and unhealthy lifestyle is of utmost importance. National Cancer Awareness Day has been announced to empower people with the right knowledge to assemble against Cancer.

When is the National Cancer Awareness Day Observed?

Cancer disease is a serious healthcare concern. To generate awareness on early detection, precaution, and avoid cancer-causing lifestyle, National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on 7th November every year.

History of National Cancer Awareness Day

It is estimated that smoked and smokeless Tobacco accounted for a number of deaths in past years. Oral cavity and Lung Cancer deaths account for over 25% in males. Breast and oral cavities in females account for 25% of deaths. Also, in India, a woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes.

In September 2014, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare at that time, announced to celebrate the National Cancer Awareness Day in November.

National Cancer Awareness Day coincides with the birth anniversary of Madame Curie. Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1867, she was a Nobel Prize winning scientist. She is known for her discovery of Radium and Polonium. Also, she gave a huge contribution in the fight against cancer. Madame Curie’s work was an inspiration for developing cancer treatment with Radiotherapy and Nuclear Energy.

About Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body have uncontrolled growth. This growth is categorised into different stages of cancer. When there is an issue with the normal control mechanism of the body and suddenly it stops working, Cancer starts taking place. Old cells in the body don’t die but grow abnormally and uncontrollably.

Symptoms of Cancer

Here are some alarming symptoms that you should know about this National Cancer Awareness Day:

• Breast lumps (in women)
• Non-stop diarrhoea issue
• Unexplained anaemia or loss of blood
• cough (Consistent)
• Blood in saliva
• Blood in stool
• Urination disorder

Prevention is Better Than Cure

In fighting against Cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, habits, weight, and diet is quite important for the long run. Along with them, here are the other precautions which must incorporate:

• Vaccination
• Good habits and healthy lifestyle
• Regular check-ups
• Quit smoking
• Protection from the sun

Self Test for Breast Cancer

Going for a regular check up is the best way but you can test yourself just by following the simple steps:

• Stand before a mirror
• Get your arms relaxed
• Look for any change in breasts (shape, size, or position)
• Observe if skin changes, sores, or discolorates
• Check your nipples
• See the change in direction & size, peeling, retraction, or any discharge

If you see any of them, it is a matter of  concern. Immediately, book an appointment with a doctor and get tested to avoid it becoming a major issue.

Cancer Therapy or Treatment

Here are some therapies or treatments for different types of cancer:

• Immunotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Precision Medicine
• Stem Cell Transplant
• Hormone Therapy

Importance of National Cancer Awareness Day

National Cancer Awareness Day is of utmost importance. Some of the reasons why cancer awareness should be paid enough attention are:

1. High Death Rates in India

Cancer incidents in India are lower than the ones in developed nations but death rates are higher. It is essentially because of the late diagnosis. Almost 50% of Cancers in India are detected at the later stages, that is, stage 4 cancer or stage 5 cancer. Before killing Cancer, it is important to kill lack of awareness and illiteracy. It is important to have National Cancer Awareness Day in order to save lives through self check and timely treatment.

2. Breast Cancer in Women

For women, there is a scary scenario in India. One woman out of 28 in India is prone to developing Breast Cancer. Talking about breasts is taboo in our society, so many women feel uncomfortable talking about their problems until it becomes something serious.  Breast Cancer detection in its early stages is vital to stop the mishaps. National Cancer Awareness Day is an effort to attract women’s attention toward their health. Self test is advisable for them. They can do it at their home and the process should take place seven days before and after their periods.

3. Lifestyle Choices

Tobacco is one of the biggest reasons for Cancer in India. There are many campaigns around it but a lot of efforts are yet to be made. For generating awareness about early detection of cancer, observing National Cancer Awareness Day every year can be proved a milestone if continued with dedication.

Lancet’s report disclosed that tobacco use can lead to 14 types of risk factors of Cancer. Having a lifestyle that involves high consumption of drugs, alcohol, junk or processed foods, and insufficient nutritional intake can add to your woes only. Unsafe sex, air pollution, and dust are the main risks for Cancer, especially cervical. With the right lifestyle, it is possible to protect yourself and your loved ones from the claws of deadly Cancer. Do not even wait for Cancer Awareness Day, take a pledge to get rid of unhealthy lifestyle choices to avoid the risk of cancer today.

Conclusion

Health experts believe that preventable factors account for 70% of Cancers in India. Out of which 20% cases are infection-related, 40% cases are tobacco-related, and 10% cases are due to other factors. Therefore, with the right information and awareness, it is very easy to prevent the many deaths due to Cancer. This National Cancer Awareness Day, promise yourself to switch to a healthy lifestyle and spread a word amongst your loved ones.