National Cancer Awareness Day 2026: Date, History, Significance and Prevention

National Cancer Awareness Day is celebrated every year on 7th November in India. It helps raise awareness among the public about cancer, its prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. It began in 2014 under the leadership of the then Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Importance of National Cancer Awareness Day

Cancer refers to a group of diseases where abnormal cells divide rapidly. They can infiltrate surrounding tissue or move to other parts of the body (metastasis). Cancer can occur in almost any part of the human body.

The day helps raise awareness around,

• Prevention – Reduce risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and harmful environmental factors.
• Early diagnosis – Know the symptoms and have access to the correct screening.
• Timely treatment – Ensure diagnosis, treatment and referral.

Global and Indian Cancer Statistics

In 2022 there were almost 20 million new cancer cases diagnosed, and 9.7 million cancer deaths globally. Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of death due to cancer.

In 2022, there were approximately 14.13 lakh new cancer cases diagnosed and 9.17 lakh cancer deaths in India.

Indicator	India, 2022
New Cancer Cases	14,13,316
Cancer Deaths	9,16,827
5-Year Cases	32,58,518
Most Common Cancer (Both)	Breast Cancer
Most Common Cancer (Male)	Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer
Most Common Cancer (Female)	Breast Cancer

Source: IARC, Global Cancer Observatory, GLOBOCAN 2022. Data may vary depending on the dataset.

Common Cancers in India

Globally, according to GLOBOCAN 2022 data the most common cancers are,

• Male: Lip and Oral Cavity, Lung, Oesophagus
• Female: Breast, Cervix Uteri, Ovary
• Both: Breast, Lip and Oral Cavity, Cervix Uteri

Background of the Day

National Cancer Awareness Day was announced on the 19th September 2014, by the then Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. He declared that 7th November would be celebrated every year in India to raise awareness around cancer prevention.

7th November also marks the birthday of Marie Curie. She was an exceptional Physicist and Chemist. Her work on Radioactivity has helped greatly in the development of Radiation in medicine today.

Government Cancer Screening Initiatives

Cancer prevention is addressed by the government of India through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

This programme aims to improve awareness, screening, early diagnosis, treatment and referrals for common non-Communicable Diseases. These include 3 key cancers,

• Oral Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer

Screening is provided to those aged 30+. This is done through Primary Healthcare centres including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with assistance from frontline workers such as ASHAs and ANMs