Why in news?
India observed National Cancer Awareness Day on 7 November 2025. Health organisations, hospitals and schools conducted awareness drives, free screening camps and educational programmes to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and healthy lifestyles. The day coincides with the birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Marie Curie, whose discoveries laid the foundation for radiation therapy.
Background
National Cancer Awareness Day was introduced in 2014 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, then Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare. It was chosen to coincide with Marie Curie’s birthday (7 November 1867) in recognition of her pioneering research on radioactivity and its medical applications. The initiative seeks to inform citizens about cancer risk factors, encourage regular screenings and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. India was one of the first countries to dedicate a day specifically to cancer awareness.
Causes and risk factors
- Tobacco use: Smoking and chewing tobacco account for about half of cancer cases in Indian men and one‑quarter in women. Oral, lung and throat cancers are particularly linked to tobacco.
- Unhealthy diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugar and saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables increase the risk of several cancers.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive drinking raises the chances of liver and oesophageal cancer.
- Obesity and inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to breast, colorectal and other cancers.
- Environmental and occupational exposure: Radiation, chemical pollutants and certain industrial processes can damage DNA and trigger cancerous growth.
- Genetic factors: Family history and inherited mutations predispose some individuals to cancers like breast and colon cancer.
Importance of early detection
Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates because treatment is more effective when cancer is confined to its original site. Unfortunately, two‑thirds of cancers in India are detected at advanced stages. Regular health check‑ups, self‑examinations and participation in screening programmes for breast, cervical and oral cancers can help detect disease earlier. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) integrates screening into primary healthcare to reach rural and underserved populations.
Government initiatives and NGO efforts
- National Cancer Control Programme: Established to promote prevention, early detection and palliative care across India.
- Tertiary Care Cancer Centres: A scheme supports regional cancer centres to expand treatment facilities and research.
- National Cancer Grid: A network of hospitals standardises treatment protocols and facilitates collaboration.
- Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM‑JAY): Provides financial assistance for cancer treatment to vulnerable families.
- Role of NGOs: Organisations such as the Indian Cancer Society, Cancer Patients Aid Association and Tata Memorial Centre conduct awareness campaigns, provide financial aid and support patient care.
Challenges and way forward
- Late diagnosis: Lack of awareness and stigma delay medical consultation, leading to poor outcomes. Health education and outreach need to be scaled up.
- Access to care: Rural areas often lack specialised oncology services. Expanding regional cancer centres and tele‑medicine can bridge this gap.
- Cost of treatment: Cancer therapies can be expensive. Strengthening insurance coverage and public hospitals is essential.
- Shortage of specialists: Training more oncologists, pathologists and radiotherapists will improve diagnosis and care quality.
- Research and data: More epidemiological studies will help understand trends and design targeted interventions.