National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on the 7th of November in India every year since 2014 to create public awareness about early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer.
Importance of National Cancer Awareness Day
Cancer is a broad term for many conditions affecting any region in the body. One distinguishing aspect of cancer is the rapid formation of aberrant cells that grow beyond their normal borders, infecting surrounding body parts and migrating to other organs, a process known as metastasis.
History of National Cancer Awareness Day
In September 2014, National Cancer Awareness Day was first initiated by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in India. In September 2014, a committee was formed and decided that National Cancer Awareness Day would be observed on the 7th of November every year in India with the aim of spreading awareness about the severity of various cancers, their symptoms, and treatment.
Preventive Measures for Cancer
Preventive measures for cancer aim to reduce the risk of developing cancer and may vary depending on the type of cancer. Cancer risk can be reduced by:
- Avoiding tobacco
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Having a healthy diet, including fruit and vegetables
- Doing physical activity on a regular basis
- Avoiding or reducing consumption of alcohol
- Avoiding ultraviolet radiation exposure
- Scheduling cancer screening exams