National Cancer Awareness Day 2022: Know History & Significance

With an aim to raise awareness about the deadly disease of Cancer, every year, India observes National Cancer Awareness Day on November 7.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second most deadly disease that causes death among people.

The condition of people dying of cancer is a serious threat to India. In the year 2020, 8.5 lakh people in India died of cancer.

In India, nearly 1.1 million new cases are reported annually.

Two-thirds of cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing patients’ chances of survival.

Various programs have been initiated to increase research on the prevention and early detection of cancer.

History

This was initiated by the then Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, in September 2014.

This day coincides with the birth anniversary of the Nobel Prize winner scientist Marie Curie.

She discovered radium and polonium, which are known as the two most significant contributors to the fight against cancer.

Marie Curie’s work and discovery led to the development of nuclear energy radiotherapy that helps with cancer treatments.

Significance

National Cancer Awareness Day also encourages people to report to government hospitals, CGHS, and municipal clinics for free screening.

Information booklets are also circulated to generate awareness on how to avoid getting cancer and to look for signs of early symptoms.

In 1975, the National Cancer Control Programme was initiated to provide cancer treatment facilities in India.

The program was modified in 1984-85 to provide thrust to the prevention and early detection of cancer.