National Cancer Awareness Day 2025

National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on November 7 each year to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment in India. 

• Relevant for UPSC Prelims & Current Affairs.
• Relevant for Mains GS Paper II & III (health policies, public health infrastructure)
• Important for Essay and Interview discussions.

Cancer is defined as a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. These cells may form lumps called tumours, which can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can travel through the body to form new tumours elsewhere.

• One in nine people in India will develop cancer in their lifetime, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• India ranks 2nd in Asia and 3rd globally in terms of cancer incidence.
• India accounts for about 100 out of every 1 lakh people diagnosed with cancer annually.
• Tobacco-related cancers account for 35–50% of all cancers in men and 17% in women in India.

Also read: International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2025

November 7 is observed as National Cancer Awareness Day in India. The date marks the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize winner who discovered radioactivity and radium, both crucial in developing radiation therapy for cancer treatment.

The day was started in 2014 by Dr Harsh Vardhan, the then Union Health Minister, to spread awareness about cancer, promote early detection, and encourage timely treatment across the country.

National Cancer Awareness Day was established to create a nationwide movement toward early detection and prevention of cancer.

• Educate people about recognising early signs and symptoms of cancer so they can seek timely medical help​.
• Promote the importance of early detection through regular screening and health check-ups, which can save countless lives​.
• Encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyles and avoid cancer-causing habits like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption​.
• Reduce the stigma and fear associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment​.
• Increase awareness about available government healthcare facilities and free screening programs across the country​.
• Support cancer patients, survivors, and their families by providing information about treatment options and the financial assistance scheme.

Also read: National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO)

Cancer can affect different parts of the body, with some types being more common than others in India.

1. Carcinoma

• Originates from epithelial tissue (skin and linings of internal organs).

Sub-types include:

• Adenocarcinoma (glands and organs like lungs, colon, breast)
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (skin, lungs, throat)
• Basal Cell Carcinoma (outer layer of skin)
• Transitional Cell Carcinoma (bladder, kidneys, ureters)

2. Sarcoma

• Originates from supportive and connective tissues.
• Primarily affects bones, tendons, cartilage, muscle, fat, and blood vessels.
• Generally more common in young adults

Sub-types include:

• Osteosarcoma (bone)
• Liposarcoma (fatty tissue)
• Angiosarcoma (blood vessels)

3. Leukaemia

• "Liquid cancer" or "blood cancer" originates in bone marrow.
• Results from the overproduction of immature white blood cells.
• Causes increased infection risk, anaemia, and poor blood clotting.

Sub-types include:

• Myeloid leukaemias (AML, CML) (affect granulocytic blood cells)
• Lymphoid leukaemias (ALL, CLL) (affect lymphocytic blood cells)
• Polycythemia vera (excess red blood cell production)

4. Lymphoma and Myeloma

• Both originate in the immune system

Lymphoma:

• Originates in the lymphatic system, affecting lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
• Two Types: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Myeloma:

• Originates in plasma cells of bone marrow
• Multiple myeloma is the most common form

5. Brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancers

• Originates in the brain and spinal cord.
• Includes gliomas, astrocytomas, and medulloblastomas.
• Represents a distinct category due to its unique anatomical location and specialised treatment considerations.

6. Mixed Type Cancers

• Contain two or more cancer components.

Examples include:

• Carcinosarcoma: a combination of carcinoma and sarcoma.
• Teratocarcinoma: contains multiple cell types.

Also read: AdFalciVax: ICMR Indigenous Vaccine for Malaria

Cancer is a multi-factorial disease that develops due to various genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors working together.

• Tobacco Use: The single largest preventable cause of cancer, responsible for 35-50% of all cancers in men and 17% in women in India. It causes lung, oral, throat, and oesophageal cancers.
• Genetic Mutations: Changes in genes that control cell growth can be inherited from parents or acquired during life due to various exposures.
• Unhealthy Diet: Consumption of processed foods, red meat, high-fat foods, and a lack of fruits and vegetables increases cancer risk.
• Infections: Certain viruses like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer, Hepatitis B and C cause liver cancer, and H. Pylori causes stomach cancer.
• Environmental Pollution: Air pollution (PM2.5), exposure to asbestos, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and carcinogens in the environment increase cancer risk​.
• Radiation Exposure: Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight causes skin cancer, while ionising radiation from X-rays and CT scans slightly increases risk.
• Late-Stage Diagnosis: Two-thirds of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, partly due to a lack of awareness and fear, reducing survival chances.

The Government of India has launched several comprehensive programs and initiatives to prevent and control cancer across the country.

1. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)

• Launched in 2010 under the National Health Mission to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, including cancer​.
• Provides accessible and affordable diagnostic facilities and drugs for patients attending NCD clinics​.
• Initiated population-based screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers for all individuals.

2. Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

• Launched in 2018, provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care​.
• Covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology for cancer treatment for economically vulnerable families​.
• Till 2024, over 90% of registered cancer patients have commenced treatment under this scheme.

3. Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)

• Platform for cancer screening services, including oral, breast, and cervical cancer screening, at the grassroots level​.
• Provides free drugs and diagnostic services, along with wellness counselling and lifestyle modification guidance​.
• Focuses on early detection through regular health check-ups and community awareness programs.

4. Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)

• Provides financial assistance up to Rs. 5 lakh for cancer treatment to patients below the poverty line​.
• Maximum assistance of Rs. 15 lakh is available under the scheme​.
• Covers treatment at 27 Regional Cancer Centres with Rs. 50 lakh revolving funds at each centre.

5. National Cancer Grid (NCG)

• Established in 2012, now the world's largest cancer network with 287 member organisations​.
• Treats over 750,000 new cancer patients annually, covering over 60% of India's cancer burden.​
• Ensures high-quality, standardised, evidence-based cancer care across India.

To effectively tackle the rising cancer burden in India, a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach is essential.

• Implement stricter tobacco control measures, including higher taxes and a complete ban.
• Scale up population-based screening programs to cover all districts, ensuring screening reaches rural and remote areas.
• Establish more cancer care centres in underserved regions to reduce geographical disparities in treatment access.
• Strengthen the National Cancer Registry Programme to collect comprehensive data on cancer incidence, patterns, and outcomes.

Unlock your UPSC success with SuperKalam! 

Get instant doubt clearance, customised study plans, unlimited MCQ practice, and fast Mains answer evaluation.

Explore SuperKalam's Resources and set yourself on the path to success!