National Cancer Awareness Day

Every year India observes National Cancer Awareness Day on November 7th. This day attempts to educate the public about the prevention, early detection and treatment of cancer. 

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that in India alone, the annual number of cases of cancer exceeds 1.4 million.  

When a person is affected by cancer, the body’s cells start growing and multiplying rapidly, eventually spreading to other parts of the body. Cancer can affect any part of the body. The body’s immune system can be manipulated by cancerous cells, where they do not attack and kill the abnormal cells. 

Although cancer is caused by sudden changes in the genetic code, there are several risk factors leading to the development of the disease. Consumption of tobacco, alcohol, carcinogens (cancer-causing substances), certain viral infections, smoking, physical inactivity and obesity are some of them.

The theme for this year’s National Cancer Awareness Day is “Close the Care Gap” which focuses on the importance of equal and fair cancer care for all.