National Cancer Day is observed every year in India on November 7. The day is aimed at raising awareness about cancer risks, prevention and the benefits of early detection. The national observance also emphasises accessible and affordable treatments for all cancer patients.
India, with a population of over 1.4 billion, is witnessing a rapid rise in cancer cases, largely driven by lifestyle changes, tobacco use, poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity. This underscores the importance of uniting students, families, doctors, public health professionals and communities to support those affected by cancer while promoting healthy and proactive lifestyles.
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025: History
India is the first country in the world to officially recognise National Cancer Awareness
Day. The day was first introduced in 2014 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the then Union Health Minister.
The government selected November 7 to observe the day as the date marks the birth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Marie Curie. The day is also an occasion to honour her groundbreaking discovery of radioactivity and her profound contributions to the advancement of cancer treatment.
The day also serves as a reminder to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection and to promote healthy lifestyle choices that can help reduce the risk of the disease.
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025: Key Facts
Cancer remains one of the most serious public health challenges in India.
According to a Press India Bureau release, the country records approximately 800,000 new cancer cases every year, with tobacco-related cancers making up nearly 35–50 per cent of all cases among men and around 17 per cent among women.
Among these, cancers of the oral cavity, lungs, and head and neck are the most common, largely linked to tobacco use.
Many of these cancers are preventable with early detection. This highlights the urgent need for early detection, lifestyle changes and effective prevention of tobacco use.
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025: Early Detection Tips
Early detection of cancer increases the chances of survival, as identifying the disease at an initial stage allows for timely and effective treatment and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the body.
The most common types of cancer in India are breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. The early signs to detect these types are:
1. Breast Cancer
- A lump in the breast or armpit
- Changes in breast size, shape, or skin.
- Nipple discharge or inversion
2. Cervical Cancer
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
3. Oral Cancer
- Mouth ulcers
- White and red patches in the mouth
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
4. Lung Cancer
- Extreme cough
- Blood in sputum
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
5. Colorectal Cancer
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in stool
- Extreme weight loss
How to Support Cancer Patients?
The National Cancer Awareness Day is also aimed at raising awareness among the students, families and communities to support those affected by cancer with gentle care and sensitivity. The idea is to create a safe space where they can express their fear, hope, frustration and resilience.
Here are a few simple ways to support cancer patients:
- Be An Active Listener: Listen without judgement and listen actively. Despite coming with solutions, sometimes only listening helps them to heal.
- Acknowledge their emotions: Let them know you understand and accept what they’re feeling. Avoid downplaying their emotions with excessive positivity or empty reassurances.
- Be Present: Sometimes, simply being there, both physically and emotionally, matters most, even in silence. Show your care through gentle gestures or comforting words.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about their specific type of cancer and the emotional challenges it brings. This understanding will help you empathise more deeply and provide more meaningful support.
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