Cancer awareness day is observed in India every year on November 7 to create awareness about one of the most dangerous diseases that mankind is fighting. India is the first country in the world to start a ‘National Cancer Awareness Day’ on November 7 which happens to be the birthday of Madame Marie Curie, the Nobel Laureate who discovered radioactivity.
There is a need to create cancer awareness in the country because the prevalence of the deadly disease seems to be increasing.
“Cancer prevention starts with each of us. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and prioritize regular screening. Act today for a healthier tomorrow,” said the Union Health Ministry on X on National Cancer Awareness Day.
Study estimates high incidence of cancer in India
According to a recent GLOBOCAN study, the death due to cancer in India is about 916827. The study found that in India lip, oral cavity, lung and esophagus cancers are mostly seen in men, while breast, cervix and ovarian cancers are mostly among them. female.
The risk of dying from cancer before the age of 75 is the same for men and women, which is more than 7%.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women.
GLOBOCAN predicts that cancer cases in India will rise to 2.08 million, with an increase of 57.5 percent by 2040 from 2020.
In India, one in nine people may develop cancer in their lifetime
According to a study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research: The estimated number of cancer cases in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427 (crude rate: 100.4 per 100,000). The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 percent in 2025 compared to 2020.
“The cumulative risk of developing cancer between the ages of 0 and 74 is one in nine for all cancer sites in both sexes, one in 67 for lung cancer in men and one in 29 for breast cancer in women,” the study said. thought.
A recent publication from the NCRP projects the burden of cancer to be 29.8 million DALYs by 2025 in India.
Read More: Everyday habits that can increase your risk of cancer: How to make healthier choices
How to prevent the onset of cancer?
Preventing cancer involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and being mindful of risk factors. Regular physical activity protects against cancer by maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Try to exercise at least 150 minutes on average per week. This can be achieved by brisk walking, swimming, or cycling among other exercises. Reduces inflammation. It strengthens the immune system.
A balanced and nutritious diet plays an important role, as it helps support immunity and reduce inflammation, which is associated with cancer. Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and red meat can help. Certain foods, such as berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables, contain antioxidants that can protect cells from damage.
Limiting alcohol, smoking, and reducing exposure to harmful substances can also reduce the risk of cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption has been linked to cancers of the liver, throat, and mouth.
Regular screening and health checkups help early detection of abnormalities and when cancer treatment is easier and more effective. Immunization against viruses, such as HPV and hepatitis B, protects individuals from the development of cancer. “Women with early detection and treatment often have a higher survival rate, as well as more treatment options. Personalized medicine and targeted therapy are changing the treatment of breast cancer, so we can adjust our approach to the different needs of each patient. it is also worth noting that unfortunately, even if early treatment is started for the patient, the disease may return,” said Dr. Sachin Gupta, Director – Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology (Cancer Specialist), Max Healthcare.
