Cancer is a non-communicable disease and is the second leading cause of death globally, according to WHO. National Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated in India. The day is important, for it educates people about the serious threat that is cancer. The condition of people dying by cancer is India is a serious threat to the nation. It is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer. In low and middle-income countries approximately 70% of deaths occur due to cancer. In 2018, 1.5 million people from India, died of cancer. Thus, to raise awareness about cancer, in 2014, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launched National Cancer Awareness Day. It is observed every year on November 7 to generate awareness on early detection of the disease.
In 1975, the Indian government had initiated the National Cancer Control Programme to provide cancer treatment facilities in the country. In 1984-85, the programmed aimed at prevention and early detection of the disease.
In India, nearly 1.1 million new cases are being reported every year. Two-thirds of cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage thus reducing patients’ chances of survival. In India, it is estimated that one woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes. In 2018, tobacco (smoked and smokeless) use accounted for 3,17,928 deaths (approx) in men and women. Oral cavity and lung cancer account for over 25% of cancer deaths in males and breast cancer and oral cavity account for 25% of cancers in females. Scientists Discover Aggressive ‘Hot Spots’ Inside Breast Cancer Tumours.
This day is meant to highlight the significance and increase awareness on early detection and prevention of cancer. The day falls on the birth anniversary of French-Polish scientist Madame Curie whose discovery has paved way for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through nuclear energy and radiation therapy. She is known for her discovery of radium and polonium and contribution to the fight against cancer. Her groundbreaking work led to the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
According to the American National Cancer Institute, Cancer is the name given to a collection of related diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body’s cells start dividing without stopping and gradually begin spreading into surrounding tissues. It is important to note that cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body. A human body is made up of trillions of cells. While it is normal for human cells to grow and divide to form new cells because the body needs them to do so. When old cells grow older or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. However, when Cancer develops, this orderly process breaks down. The body’s cells become more and more abnormal, old or damaged but continue to survive when they should have died, but new cells keep forming when they are not needed. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form growths called tumours.
Some of the types of cancer treatment include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplant, surgery and prescribed medicine etc. Maintaining a good lifestyle is important to keep diseases at way. Some of it includes is following a healthy diet, avoiding intoxicants, being physically active, sun protection and regular check-ups. While each type of cancer comes has varied symptoms, some needs to be brought to the attention of a medical practitioner at the earliest. But it is important to note that the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean cancer and one must consult a doctor before coming to a conclusion. Blood-tinged saliva, blood in the stool, unexplained anaemia, breast lump or breast discharge and lumps in the testicles are some of the symptoms one should bring to the notice of a doctor.
Radiation therapy is widely used in the treatment of cancers such as breast, prostate, lungs, cervix, head and neck and sarcomas. RT alone is effective in treating localised tumours like early-stage cancers, radiosensitive tumours or non-melanoma skin cancer. For advanced-stage cancer types such as cancer of blood, bone marrow, and lymph nodes are treated with RT in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. Localised radiation therapy is best for lymphomas while palliative radiation therapy is used in multiple myeloma and lymphomas. This treatment method is widely used to control metastases or cancer type that has spread to different parts of the body from the primary site.
On this day generally, on National Cancer Awareness Day, people are encouraged to report to government hospitals, CGHS and municipal clinics for a free screening. Information booklets are widely circulated in hospitals across the country to generate awareness on how to avoid getting cancer and to look for signs of early symptoms. Dr Harsh Vardhan had reportedly advised in 2014 that if detected early, cancer could be treated at a fraction of the cost that is incurred when diagnosed at an advanced stage. Its mortality rate can also be significantly lowered. No clear theme has been put forth by the Health Ministry in India this year due to the ongoing pandemic.
