National Cancer Awareness Day: Let’s End The Disease

Posted On: 2024-11-07 17:05:23

Every year on November 7, India celebrates National Cancer Awareness Day to raise awareness about cancer and its prevention, early detection, and treatment. The day was first introduced by the Indian Union Health Ministry in 2014. The date, 7th of November was chosen as it coincides with the birthday of Marie Curie, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered radium and polonium. Her work led to the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy, which are used to treat cancer.

In 2022, India recorded 14,61,427 cancer cases, meaning that one in nine people is likely to have cancer at some point in their lives. This is expected to rise by 12.8 per cent in 2025. Lung cancers were common among men while breast cancer among women. 

The Malwa region of Punjab is known as India's cancer belt. The cancer rate in Malwa was found to be 107 per 100,000, way higher than the national average of 80 per 100,000. This was blamed on agricultural chemicals and pesticides used in the region. 

In modern days, anyone is likely to be infected with cancer due to high pollution rates. Harmful smoke is ingested by us whether we consume cigarettes or not, making us highly susceptible to lung cancer. But we can make some changes to remain as healthy as possible.

Some common ways to remain free from cancer are:

1. Keeping a healthy weight
2. Regular Exercise
3. Avoid Smoking
4. Consuming a healthy diet
5. Limit alcohol
6. Avoid harmful UV rays and use sunscreen
7. Protect yourself from sexually transmitted disease

However, as mentioned previously, there is no surefire way to avoid cancer and even if you follow all the steps you can still be affected by it. Therefore early detection is extremely important. These are some symptoms of cancer, that you should look out for:

• Irregular periods or pelvic pain
• Frequent or Scarce Execration
• Bloating
• Breast changes
• Chronic coughing
• Chronic headache
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive bruising
• Frequent fevers or infections
• Oral changes
• Skin changes
• Longlasting Pain
• Constant fatigue
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Stomach pain or nausea
• Unexplained weight loss

 If you experience any of the symptoms, make sure to book an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection makes treatment more effective and cost-effective.

Filaantro helps those in need of cancer care. Through our website, we host fundraisers for those in need of treatment. If you or anyone you know needs funds for cancer, feel free to contact us or reach out to us through our mail or social media handles.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Make sure to share this with all your friends and family members and remember to stay free from cancer and fight to defeat them. 

 AUTHOR: Adil Sayyad