Cancer is one of the scariest words that have existed in this world. Today, which is the 7th of November 2022, India observes National Cancer Awareness Day. This day is observed annually to highlight the significance and promote awareness about the diagnosis, treatment, and early detection of the disease. Now, I think it’s time for everyone to learn more about this awareness day.
Let’s delve deeper into National Cancer Awareness Day and learn important aspects of it.
Who initiated National Cancer Awareness Day?
National Cancer Awareness Day was started by the former Union Health Minister of India, Dr Harsh Vardhan, in 2014. The date 7th November was chosen for Cancer Awareness Day because it coincides with the Nobel Laureate Marie Curie’s birth anniversary.
Marie Curie is a French-Polish scientist born on the 7th of November at Warsaw, Poland in 1867. She is well-known for her discovery of radium and polonium and her huge contribution to the fight against cancer. It was under her direction that the world’s first studies on the treatment of neoplasms by radioactive isotopes were conducted.
IMAGE CREDIT: MEDIUM
India’s National Cancer Control Program was established in 1975 to offer cancer treatment options due to the country’s high rate of cancer. Now, the focus of organizations working for cancer relief is to spread correct information to people and help with the early detection of cancer. Hence, National Cancer Awareness Day is observed every year.
Why National Cancer Awareness Day is Significant?
Cancer Awareness Day is significant because this day is all about spreading awareness regarding cancer and initiating a public discussion. Here is how it can help people:
- Discover more about the different types of cancer and their early signs that can keep a person alert
- It enables people to know the early signs and symptoms of cancer
- Being aware of the disease and paying attention to its signs of it can help in saving a person’s life as late detection of cancer is why many patients do not survive
- A public discussion about cancer on National Cancer Awareness Day also can help people to break the stigma and fear about this life-threatening disease
How is Cancer Awareness Celebrated?
The focus of National Cancer Awareness Day is on making people familiar enough with early and detectable cancer symptoms. This helps with the early detection of cancer, and, subsequently, improved chances of survival. These are some of the ways people celebrate this important day:
- To celebrate this day, many government hospitals and municipal clinics conduct free cancer screening in India
- Furthermore, to spread public awareness about cancer signs and symptoms, organizations and NGOs are expected to conduct public workshops
- People circulate booklets with information about cancer and its symptoms
Cancer Awareness Day Activities that you can be a part of:
- You may volunteer yourself, meet and give them strength with your preaching to those battling cancer
- You may join the events conducted by different cancer organizations
- In addition, educating people, especially the younger generation about the effects and consequences of cancer has such a big impact and by doing so it helps to prevent and reduce the risks of cancer
- You may conduct awareness sessions to help people make healthy lifestyle choices
- Discover the signs and symptoms of cancer and early detection guidelines because finding cancer early often makes it easier to treat. This can also be shared as informative posters online and help people get access to this on cancer day
- Give a platform for people to share stories about their own cancer experiences, communicate with decision-makers, and join support groups to help make positive changes for all people affected by cancer.
- There is nothing good as free, especially if it is for your own health. Most cancer institutes offer free screening for different types of cancer. It’s best to encourage people to take part in the screening
Fun Fact: 4th of February marks World Cancer Day which is observed worldwide.
Let’s combat this and build a healthy community together!
Spread the word, speak up and stand up for a future without cancer.
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