National Cancer Awareness Day 2024: Date, History, Significance

Every year, India observes its National Cancer Awareness Day on November 7. The day is observed to raise awareness about cancer, of which 1.1 million cases are reported in the country each year. In 2014, the Indian Union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan established the day to coincide with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie. Madam Curie is known for her discovery of radium whose radioactivity provided a way to successfully attack cancer. Let us learn a little bit more about National Cancer Awareness Day 2024.

National Cancer Awareness Day 2024 Date

National Cancer Awareness Day 2024 Date

Significance of National Cancer Awareness Day

November 7 is observed annually as National Cancer Awareness Day in India. Cancer is the leading cause of death all over the world, according a World Health Organization report in 2020. Cancer in lungs, colon and rectum, liver, stomach and breast, were the primary cause of the deaths. But by making people more aware this disease, it can be prevented to a great extent.

On the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day, people are encouraged to report to government hospitals, CGHS, and municipal clinics for a free screening. To generate awareness of avoiding cancer and look for signs of symptoms of the disease, information booklets are also distributed by many organization and advocates of cancer prevention.

Check: International days in November

History of National Cancer Awareness Day Observation

Observation of National Cancer Awareness Day was declared in September 2014 by the Indian Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan. It was decided that  November 7 will be observed as National Cancer Awareness Day every year to generate awareness about early detection and avoiding of cancer.

The day is also about changing cancer causing lifestyles. November 7 was chosen as the date of observation because it was the birth anniversary of the Novel-prize winning scientist Marie Curie whose discovery of radium played a crucial role in treatment of cancer.

Who was Marie Curie?

Marie Curie was a French-Polish scientist born in Warsaw, Poland in 1867. curie became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person and the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win the Nobel Prize in two different scientific fields. 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. She died in 1934, aged 66, of aplastic anemia causedby excessive exposure to radiation.

How is National Cancer Awareness Day celebrated?

As the name suggests, National Cancer Awareness Day is observed in India to raise awareness of cancer disease among people of the country. To celebrate this day, book an appointment at your nearest medical center and get tested for cancer. Cancer screening and detection services are available in many cities and any individual can take up the test. Even if you are feeling totally healthy, it is suggested to take cancer test, especially if you are over 30 years of age.

This day is also about informing your loved ones about the prevention of cancer and encouraging them to take the test too. You can learn more about cancer, its signs and symptoms, treatment, precaution, etc online or from information brochures distributed at many hospitals and other organizations. Sharing your knowledge with others can be the best way to observe National Cancer Awareness Day.

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