On November 7th each year, India observes National Cancer Awareness Day to raise awareness about the growing cancer burden in the country and inspire action towards prevention, early detection, and treatment. India is the first country in the world to officially recognize National Cancer Awareness Day. The date was chosen not only to honor the birth of Nobel Laureate Madame Marie Curie, who discovered radioactivity and whose work has had a profound impact on cancer treatment but also to reflect India's commitment to addressing cancer as a public health priority. Cancer burden in India Cancer is one of the most pressing public health challenges India faces today. In India, around 100 out of every 1 lakh people are diagnosed with cancer. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the estimated number of incidences of cancer cases was more than 14 lakhs in 2023 in India. India, home to over 1.46 billion people, is experiencing a rapid rise in cancer cases, largely due to lifestyle changes, tobacco use, poor dietary habits, and inadequate physical activity. According to data from the National Cancer Registry Programme, cancer cases are expected to increase significantly, with an estimated 800,000 new diagnoses annually. Among these, tobacco-related cancers - including oral, lung, and head and neck cancers are particularly prevalent and account for as much as 40–50% of all cancers in men and 20% in women. However, various types of cancer are preventable, and through widespread awareness and timely interventions, India is significantly reducing its cancer burden. The rise in cancer cases is compounded by the fact that many patients present at advanced stages, leading to poor outcomes. India, with its diverse population and healthcare disparities, faces challenges in providing equitable access to early diagnosis and treatment. Efforts to address these gaps through improved healthcare infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and the expansion of cancer care facilities are essential to turning the tide on this preventable disease. Progress in Cancer Care in India Addressing Risk Factors:Tobacco, Diet, and Lifestyle India’s cancer landscape is shaped by multiple lifestyle-related risk factors. Govt has taken various measures to address these issues, such as: Tobacco Control: As tobacco use is a major risk factor for cancer, measures have been implemented to discourage tobacco consumption through various public health campaigns. Comprehensive Primary Health Care: The preventive aspect of cancer is strengthened through the Ayushman Bharat- Health and Wellness Centres(AB-HWC) scheme, which promotes wellness activities and community-level health communication. Nutrition Promotion: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) promotes healthy eating habits to reduce cancer risk. National Cancer Control Programme The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) was launched in 1975 and later integrated into the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), which has been operational since 2010. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), the NPCDCS supports state and union territories in generating awareness about cancer prevention. Financial support is provided for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness at the grassroots level. As part of this initiative, 770 Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinics have been established at the district level, along with 6,410 such clinics at the Community Health Centre (CHC) level. Additionally, 372 District Day Care Centres have been set up to provide specialized care. The government plans to establish Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals over the next three years, with 200 centres slated for 2025-26. The programme also includes population-based screening for common NCDs, with individuals aged 30 and above being screened for prevalent conditions, including three major cancers: breast, oral, and cervical cancer. Moreover, in a significant step toward improving access to cancer treatments, three critical cancer medicines - Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, and Durvalumab have been exempted from customs duty. These medicines are used to treat breast, lung, and biliary tract cancers, respectively, and their exemption has made it more affordable and accessible to patients. Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment While prevention is key, progress in cancer treatment is also critical. New approaches to cancer treatment are emerging, such as magnetic hyperthermia-based therapy, which uses magnetic nanoparticles to target and destroy tumor cells with minimal side effects. This method could revolutionize cancer treatment by reducing the need for traditional chemotherapy, which often comes with severe side effects. Research conducted by Indian scientists is contributing to the development of nanotherapy and other innovative treatments, making it possible to treat cancers more effectively and with fewer side effects. Additionally, India's commitment to cancer research and treatment is evident in its participation in the Quad Cancer Moonshot, a joint initiative between the U.S., Australia, India, and Japan aimed at ending cancer as we know it, starting with cervical cancer. India is sharing its expertise in digital health through its National Non-Communicable Disease Portal, which tracks long-term cancer data and supports cancer prevention and control efforts across the Indo-Pacific region. The Role of Cancer Detection and Prevention Clinics A key component of India’s cancer control strategy is the establishment of Cancer Detection and Prevention Clinics in district hospitals and regional centers. These clinics provide early diagnostic services and basic treatment, helping to identify cancers at an early stage when they are most treatable. Kerala has been a leader in this initiative, successfully implementing a model where district hospitals provide a range of cancer services, including cytology and palliative care. The goal is to make cancer care more accessible and affordable, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized cancer centers is limited. Palliative Care: Addressing Late-Stage Cancer With more than 75% of cancer patients in India presenting at advanced stages, palliative care is crucial to improving the quality of life for these individuals. Palliative care focuses on pain management, symptom relief, and providing emotional support to both patients and their families. The availability of oral morphine for pain relief is a key component of cancer pain management in India, and the government has made efforts to simplify regulations to ensure its availability at treatment centers across the country. Source : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare