Significance of the Day
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025: National Cancer Awareness Day is observed every year on 7 November to promote awareness about early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer in India. The observance was first introduced in 2014 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the then Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, to address the growing cancer burden.
This day coincides with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie (1867), whose discoveries in radioactivity laid the foundation for modern radiation therapy in cancer treatment.
Static GK fact: India observes multiple health-related awareness days annually, including World Cancer Day (4 February) and World Health Day (7 April), under the WHO framework.
Theme and Focus for 2025
For 2025, the awareness campaigns align with the World Cancer Day theme “United by Unique,” emphasizing that every cancer journey is distinct yet united by a collective fight against the disease.
The campaign focuses on:
- Personalised care and emotional support.
- Survivor stories to inspire early detection.
- Community engagement through schools and NGOs.
- Educational empowerment on lifestyle-related prevention.
Across India, health institutions and NGOs are organizing screening camps, digital campaigns, and storytelling sessions to promote this unified message of hope and health.
Historical Background
The observance was officially launched in September 2014, with the first celebration held on 7 November 2014. The chosen date commemorates Marie Curie’s contributions to science, particularly in discovering radium and polonium, elements critical to early cancer treatment research.
The initiative marked a national step towards educating citizens about the disease, reducing stigma, and improving screening participation.
Cancer Burden in India
According to the GLOBCAN 2020 Report, India records approximately 13.24 lakh new cancer cases and 8.51 lakh deaths each year. The most common cancers among men include oral cavity (16.2%), lung (8%), and stomach (6.3%); among women, breast (26.3%), cervix (18.3%), and ovary (6.7%) are prevalent.
Static GK Tip: The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) operates under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to collect and analyze national cancer data.
Prevention and Awareness Measures
Most cancers are preventable through healthy choices and regular checkups. Key preventive actions include:
- Avoiding all forms of tobacco and limiting alcohol.
- Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
- Vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B.
- Protecting skin from UV exposure and undergoing periodic cancer screening.
Government and private initiatives — led by MoHFW, ICMR, AIIMS, and Tata Memorial Hospital — conduct free consultations, public lectures, and awareness drives nationwide.
Static GK fact: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar, Haryana, functions as India’s apex research and treatment center under AIIMS, New Delhi.
Key Takeaways
National Cancer Awareness Day stands as a reminder that early detection saves lives. Strengthening awareness, improving diagnostic infrastructure, and encouraging preventive lifestyles are central to reducing India’s cancer burden.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Date of observance | 7 November 2025 |
| Established by | Dr. Harsh Vardhan in 2014 |
| Commemorates | Birth anniversary of Marie Curie |
| 2025 Theme | United by Unique |
| Common cancers in India | Oral, breast, cervical, lung |
| Cancer data source | GLOBCAN 2020 Report |
| Major institutions | ICMR, AIIMS, Tata Memorial Hospital |
| Awareness activities | Screenings, workshops, digital campaigns |
| Key prevention tip | Early detection and lifestyle change |
| National research body | National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) |
