National Cancer Awareness Day 2023 | November 7 National Cancer Awareness Day Article

  National Cancer Awareness Day 2023, November 7

Every year on November 7, National Cancer Awareness Day is observed with the goal of educating people about cancer symptoms and treatments. On this day, cancer survivors are also honored. In honor of Marie Curie, the Union Health Minister of India, Hon. Harsh Vardhan, established National Cancer Awareness Day in 2014. She was a chemist who studied radioactivity and was awarded the 1911 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering radium, a radioactive element that is used in cancer treatment. The day National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on the anniversary of her birth. To learn more about the date and importance of National Cancer Awareness Day, keep reading this article!

HISTORY OF NATIONAL CANCER AWARENESS DAY

In order to raise awareness about early detection and discourage leading lifestyles that increase the risk of cancer, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, first declared September 7, 2014, as National Cancer Awareness Day. This day is observed annually on November 7.

Harsh Vardhan started a cancer control program at the state level, promoting early detection and research into cancer treatment. On National Cancer Awareness Day, individuals are also urged to visit municipal clinics, CGHS, and government hospitals to receive a free screening. 

Additionally, pamphlets with information are distributed to raise awareness about early cancer detection and prevention strategies. The National Cancer Control Programme was started in 1975 with the goal of offering cancer treatment services in India. In 1984–85, the program was changed to emphasize cancer prevention and early detection.

November 7th is National Cancer Awareness Day, which falls on Madame Curie's birthday, the scientist who won the Nobel Prize in science. Marie Curie, who was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1867, is well-known for discovering polonium and radium as well as for making a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. Her research resulted in the development of radiotherapy and nuclear energy for cancer treatment.

Every year, about 1.1 million new cases are reported in India. In India, it is estimated that one woman passes away from cervical cancer every eight minutes. In 2018, tobacco use—both smoked and smokeless—was the cause of 3,17,928 deaths in both men and women. More than 25% of cancer-related deaths in men are caused by cancers of the mouth and lungs, while 25% of cancer-related deaths in women are caused by cancers of the breast and mouth.

According to Dr. Harsh Vardhan's advice today, cancer treatment costs can be significantly reduced if the disease is discovered early on. If people get screened as soon as the disease starts to show symptoms, the death rate is also significantly reduced.

Symptoms of Cancer

Listed below are some common symptoms of Cancer:

1. Abnormal bumps.
2. Night Sweats.
3. Changes in Bowel.
4. Sores.
5. Changes in skin colouration to yellow or red.
6. Breast lumps.
7. Problem in urination.
8. Darkening of skin.
9. Blood in stool.
10. Anaemia.

NOTE: The symptoms may vary depending on the severity and type of cancer.

Tips to Save Yourself From Cancer

Any person diagnosed with the early symptoms of Cancer can make individual efforts to prevent it. Here are some tips to prevent cancer:

1. Quit smoking.
2. Consume a healthy and balanced diet.
3. Protect yourself from the UV rays of the sun.
4. Regular check-up is important.
5. Exercise regularly.