NATIONAL CANCER
AWARENESS DAY
NOVEMBER-7
National Cancer
Awareness Day is observed annually in India on November 7 to raise public
awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and timely treatment.This
day observes National Cancer Awareness
Day to raise awareness about the growing cancer burden in the country and
inspire action towards prevention, early detection, and treatment.India is the
first country in the world to officially recognize National Cancer Awareness
Day. The date was chosen not only to honor the birth of Nobel Laureate Madame
Marie Curie, who discovered radioactivity and whose work has had a profound
impact on cancer treatment but also to reflect India's commitment to addressing
cancer as a public health priority.
Cancer is one of the
most pressing public health challenges India faces today. In India, around 100 out of every 1 lakh
people are diagnosed with cancer. According to the Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR), the estimated number of incidences of cancer cases was
156979314 lakhs in 2025 in India.India, home to over 1.46 billion people, is
experiencing a rapid rise in cancer cases, largely due to lifestyle changes,
tobacco use, poor dietary habits, and inadequate physical activity.According to
data from the National Cancer Registry Programme, cancer cases are expected to
increase significantly, with an estimated 800,000 new diagnoses annually. Among these, tobacco-related cancers -
including oral, lung, and head and neck cancers are particularly prevalent and
account for as much as 40–50% of all cancers in men and 20% in women. However,
various types of cancer are preventable, and through widespread awareness and
timely interventions, India is significantly reducing its cancer burden.
The rise in cancer
cases is compounded by the fact that many patients present at advanced stages,
leading to poor outcomes. India, with its diverse population and healthcare
disparities, faces challenges in providing equitable access to early diagnosis
and treatment. Efforts to address these gaps through improved healthcare
infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and the expansion of cancer care
facilities are essential to turning the tide on this preventable disease.India’s
cancer landscape is shaped by multiple lifestyle-related risk factors. Govt has
taken various measures to address these issues, such as:Tobacco Control: As
tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer, measures have been implemented
to discourage tobacco consumption through various public health campaigns.Comprehensive
Primary Health Care: The preventive aspect of cancer is strengthened through
the Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres(AB-HWC) scheme, which promotes
wellness activities and community-level health communication.Nutrition
Promotion: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) promotes
healthy eating habits to reduce cancer risk.
The National Cancer
Control Programme (NCCP) was launched in 1975 and later integrated into the
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,
Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), which has been operational since
2010.Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the NPCDCS supports state and
union territories in generating awareness about cancer prevention. Financial
support is provided for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)
activities to raise public awareness at the grassroots level.As part of this
initiative, 770 Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinics have been established at
the district level, along with 6,410 such clinics at the Community Health
Centre (CHC) level. Additionally, 524 Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) are
functional across the country to ensure cancer care accessibility at district
hospital level..The programme also includes population-based screening for
common NCDs, with individuals aged 30 and above being screened for prevalent
conditions, including three major cancers: breast, oral, and cervical cancer.The
Nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign was launched on 28
February 2026 for approximately 1.2 crore eligible beneficiary girls aged 14
years across all 36 States and Union Territories.
Treatment of major NCDs
including Cancer treatment are available under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri
Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY). This scheme provides for Rs. 5 lakh per family
annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitilization in the empanelled
public and private hospitals. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi
Pariyojana (PMBJP) and Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment
(AMRIT) Pharmacies improve access to affordable cancer medicines, stents, and
implants, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and supporting long-term treatment
adherence.Under National Health Mission (NHM), National Free Drugs Initiative
and Free Diagnostic Services ensure essential medicines and diagnostics at
public health facilities, reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Anti-cancer drugs
are included in the Essential Drugs List at District and Sub-Divisional
Hospitals under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non
Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).A key component of India’s cancer control
strategy is the establishment of Cancer Detection and Prevention Clinics in
district hospitals and regional centers. These clinics provide early diagnostic
services and basic treatment, helping to identify cancers at an early stage
when they are most treatable. Kerala has been a leader in this initiative,
successfully implementing a model where district hospitals provide a range of
cancer services, including cytology and palliative care. The goal is to make
cancer care more accessible and affordable, particularly in rural areas where
access to specialized cancer centers is limited.With more than 75% of cancer
patients in India presenting at advanced stages, palliative care is crucial to
improving the quality of life for these individuals. Palliative care focuses on
pain management, symptom relief, and providing emotional support to both
patients and their families. The availability of oral morphine for pain relief
is a key component of cancer pain management in India, and the government has
made efforts to simplify regulations to ensure its availability at treatment centers across the
country.The Government has said that the revised prices of 137 anti-cancer
drugs will come into effect from Monday. Recently, the National Pharmaceutical
Pricing Authority had capped trade margins on Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of
these anti-cancer drugs.The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers informed as
on date, 76 pharmaceutical companies have reported revised MRP for one thousand
and two hundred twenty five anti-cancer formulations, covering 121 drugs.
It added that the
reduction in the MRP have been reported in over one thousand formulations of
anti-cancer medicines. The Ministry said that as a result of the price
reductions, the estimated annual savings to consumers would be more than three
thousand five hundred crore rupees. It also said that every retailer, dealer,
hospital and institution is required to prominently display revised MRP list of
anti-cancer medicines on their websites and in their premises.Cancer remains
one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide. However,
advances in medical science, improved diagnostic methods and greater access to
treatment have transformed the outlook for many patients. The day serves as a
reminder that awareness and timely medical intervention can make a
life-changing difference.Cancer is not a single disease but a group of more
than 100 diseases that can affect different organs and tissues. It develops
when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the
body.According to estimates by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),
India was projected to record approximately 15.7 lakh new cancer cases in 2025,
highlighting the growing need for prevention, screening and accessible
treatment.As the country observes National Cancer Awareness Day, the message
extends beyond statistics and medical advancements. It is a call to encourage
early screening, strengthen healthcare access, support cancer research and
stand alongside those affected by the disease.For people living with cancer,
hope does not always mean the promise of a cure. It can mean finding strength
in another day, comfort in compassionate care and courage in knowing that they
are not alone in their journey.
Prof.John Kurakar
