National Cancer Awareness Day 2025: India Unites for Early Detection and Prevention

Every year on November 7, India observes National Cancer Awareness Day to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The observance also honours the legacy of Marie Curie, whose groundbreaking research on radioactivity helped pave the way for modern cancer therapy.
This day reminds everyone that awareness, screening, and early diagnosis remain the most powerful weapons in fighting cancer.

National Cancer Awareness Day 2025: India Unites for Early Detection and Prevention

History and Origin

National Cancer Awareness Day was first announced in 2014 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under the leadership of then Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.
The date — November 7 — marks the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, a two-time Nobel laureate who discovered radium and polonium, elements vital for cancer treatment research.
Since its launch, this day has aimed to promote understanding of cancer, its risk factors, and the value of regular health check-ups for early detection.

Why Cancer Awareness Is Important in India

Cancer is one of the biggest public health challenges in India.
According to government data:

1.46 million new cases were reported in 2022.
The crude incidence rate was 100.4 per 100,000 people.
One in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer during their lifetime.

Late diagnosis makes treatment difficult and expensive. This is why awareness campaigns, screening drives, and preventive measures—such as avoiding tobacco, eating healthy, and regular check-ups—are so important.

Theme for 2025: “United by Unique”

For 2025, India’s National Cancer Awareness Day aligns with the World Cancer Day theme – “United by Unique.”
This theme celebrates the individual journey of every cancer patient while uniting people in the collective mission to reduce cancer’s impact.

Across India, hospitals, schools, and NGOs are hosting:

Cancer screening camps
Survivor meet-ups
Awareness rallies and educational events

The focus is on personalised care, patient stories, and community involvement to inspire hope and early action.

Significance and Impact

National Cancer Awareness Day motivates people to adopt healthier lifestyles, go for routine screenings, and support those affected by cancer. It helps:

Spread accurate information about prevention and treatment
Break the stigma surrounding cancer
Encourage emotional and social support for patients
Strengthen healthcare access in rural and urban areas

By uniting under a shared cause, India continues to show that awareness is not just preventive — it is lifesaving.

Exam-Oriented Notes

Observed on: November 7 every year
Launched in: 2014 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Initiated by: Dr Harsh Vardhan, then Union Health Minister
Commemorates: Marie Curie’s birth anniversary
2025 Theme: “United by Unique”
Cancer data: 1.46 million new cases in 2022; 1 in 9 Indians likely to develop cancer

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Question & Answer

Q1. National Cancer Awareness Day in India is observed on which date?
(a) November 4
(b) November 5
(c) November 7
(d) November 10
Answer: November 7

Q2. Who introduced National Cancer Awareness Day in India?
(a) Dr Mansukh Mandaviya
(b) Dr Harsh Vardhan
(c) Dr Jitendra Singh
(d) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Q3. National Cancer Awareness Day commemorates the birth anniversary of which scientist?
(a) Albert Einstein
(b) Marie Curie
(c) C.V. Raman
(d) Rosalind Franklin
Answer: Marie Curie

Q4. What is the theme for National Cancer Awareness Day 2025?
(a) Close the Care Gap
(b) United by Unique
(c) Together Against Cancer
(d) One World, One Fight
Answer: United by Unique

Q5. How many new cancer cases were reported in India in 2022?
(a) 1.26 million
(b) 1.36 million
(c) 1.46 million
(d) 1.56 million
Answer: 1.46 million

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