As soon as we hear about cancer, we get scared, we feel that this is the end of the world. And do you know why do we feel this way? This is because, over the years, we have related cancer to death.
We believe that this disease will only end by taking the person’s life. But what very few of us know is that this disease can be cured and in cases with later stages, the patient’s life can be extended, if this disease is detected in timely.
In order to achieve this, we need to be very well versed with this malignant disease and for this, the Government of India has established the National Cancer Awareness Day. This day is celebrated every year on November 7 in India.
National Cancer Awareness Day History
National Cancer Awareness Day was first commemorated by Harsh Vardhan, the Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, in September 2014, who declared that November 7th will be seen as National Cancer Awareness Day consistently to create awareness about early discovery and abstain from living a cancer-causing lifestyle.
Vardhan created a state-level of disease control, empowering early discovery and tests into treating cancer. National Cancer Awareness Day additionally urges individuals to visit government medical clinics, CGHS, and metropolitan medical centers for the free screening.
In 1975, the National Cancer Control Program was started to give cancer therapy offices in India. The program was adjusted in 1984-85 to give a push to counteraction and early discovery of this disease.
National Cancer Awareness Day is seen on November 7th to agree with the birth commemoration of the Nobel-prize-winning researcher Madame Curie. Brought into the world in Warsaw, Poland in 1867, Marie Curie is associated with her revelation of radium and polonium, and her gigantic commitment to the battle against cancer. Her work prompted the advancement of nuclear energy and radiotherapy for the therapy of disease.
In India, almost 1.1 million new cases are being accounted for yearly. Tobacco (smoked and smokeless) utilized, represented 3,17,928 deaths in people in 2018. Cancer of the oral depression and lungs represent more than 25% of disease deaths in men and breast cancer and oral cavity represent 25% of tumors in females.
National Cancer Awareness Day Significance
National Cancer Awareness Day highlights the need of raising awareness about early detection and a healthy lifestyle. The use of tobacco has been said to increase the risk of getting 14 types of cancer. Other causes are drug use, poor diet, unsafe sex, and alcohol.
Tobacco increases the chances of lung cancer. This day is important to let you know and your loved ones about the ways to protect from cancer. In India, though the number of people suffering from cancer is relatively low, the death rate is extremely high.
For every two women in India, diagnosed with breast cancer, one of them dies and this is an alarming issue. This day is significant to address the same and provide the world with better knowledge of battling this deadly disease.
Reports as recorded in 2018
According to the reports of 2018, the most common cancers in women were:
- Breast Cancer, which accounted for the highest with 162,500 cases.
- The second most dangerous was oral cancer with 120,000 cases.
- Next was cervical cancer, which is seen in many women these days, was recorded with 97,000 cases.
- Lung cancer was recorded at 68,000 cases.
- The least were colorectal cancer and stomach cancer with 57,000 cases.
Similarly, in men the most common cancers were:
- The highest was accounted as oral cancer with 92,000 cases.
- The second was lung cancer with 49,000 cases.
- Stomach cancer recorded 39,000 cases.
- The least was oesophageal cancer which had 34000 cases.
Symptoms Of Cancer
Although there are no specific symptoms of cancer, it is seen that there are a few symptoms that shouldn’t go undetected. People must undergo yearly screenings and stay safe. Following are the symptoms of cancer that have been recorded in people:
- Blood in the stool
- Continued cough with blood in saliva
- Breast lumps
- Bowel movement changes
- Lumps in testicles
- Anemia
- Changes in urine
Steps To Prevent Cancer
To keep yourself from falling into the hands of this deadly disease, there are a few changes that you can bring to your lifestyle and lead a safe and healthy life.
- Stop using tobacco
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet that includes all the vegetables and fruits.
- Control your weight and be active.
- Don’t use alcohol.
- Skin cancer is caused by exposing it to harmful UV radiations so stay away from it.
- Get yourself vaccinated.
