National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 brings a renewed call from India’s leading oncologists and public health experts: don’t wait for symptoms—start routine cancer screenings early. With cancer cases rising rapidly due to lifestyle changes, tobacco use, poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity, doctors emphasise that early detection saves lives and significantly reduces treatment complexity. Observed annually on November 7, the day also honours Nobel Laureate Marie Curie’s contributions to cancer treatment. As experts highlight screening guidelines, daily preventive habits and emotional support for patients, National Cancer Awareness Day becomes a reminder to stay proactive, informed and health-conscious.
Key Takeaways: National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 Highlights
- India records approximately 800,000 new cancer cases every year, with tobacco-related cancers making up a major share.
- Doctors strongly recommend early screenings in young adults, even before symptoms appear.
- Breast, cervical, lung, oral and colorectal cancers are among India’s most common—and often preventable—types.
- Preventive habits such as quitting tobacco, exercising, healthy eating, protecting the skin and reducing stress can lower cancer risk.
- The day encourages emotional support, awareness and accessible cancer care for all communities.
National Cancer Awareness Day: Why Early Detection Matters
National Cancer Awareness Day, observed every year on November 7, serves as one of India’s most significant public health observances. Established to spread awareness about cancer risks, prevention and timely diagnosis, the day reminds citizens that early detection can dramatically improve survival and treatment outcomes.
India, home to over 1.4 billion people, is witnessing a steep rise in cancer cases. Lifestyle changes, tobacco addiction, processed diets and sedentary habits continue to push cancer rates higher. Doctors emphasise that awareness, routine check-ups and timely screenings can help reverse this trend.
The government chose November 7 in honour of Marie Curie, whose pioneering work in radioactivity transformed cancer treatment. The observance pays tribute to her legacy while encouraging citizens to prioritise prevention.
Doctors Call for Routine Screening in the 20s and 30s
Healthcare experts stress that waiting for symptoms is no longer an option.
Dr Aakaar Kapoor, Radiologist and Founder, City Imaging and Clinical Labs, explains that one’s twenties and thirties form the foundation of lifelong health. “Routine check-ups protect your present while investing in a healthier, more confident future,” he says, adding that screening tests detect cancer before symptoms appear.
According to Dr Pratik Patil, Consultant Oncologist, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, screenings for breast, cervical and colon cancer offer benefits that “far outweigh the risks. They save lives.”
Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines
Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers—if detected early.
Dr Parveen Jain, Senior Consultant & HOD, Oncology, Aakash Healthcare, offers these guidelines:
- Ages 21–29: Pap smear every 3 years
- Ages 30–65: Pap smear + HPV test every 5 years, or Pap smear alone every 3 years
These tests detect precancerous cells and HPV infections long before they develop into cancer.
Breast Cancer: Start Mammograms at 40
Dr Aditya Vidushi, Senior Consultant & Head Unit – III, Medical Oncology, Asian Hospital, stresses that breast cancer screening must begin early.
- Age 40 and above: Annual mammogram
- High-risk individuals: May require additional tests like breast MRI
Early-stage breast cancers detected through mammograms are significantly easier to treat.
Colon Cancer: Highly Preventable but Often Ignored
Colon cancer remains one of India’s silent killers.
Doctors recommend:
- Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals.
Screenings detect noncancerous polyps early—giving patients a chance to prevent cancer altogether.
Early Signs of India’s Most Common Cancers
Awareness of early symptoms is critical.
Some of the most common cancers in India and their warning signs include:
1. Breast Cancer
- Lump in breast or armpit
- Changes in size or shape
- Nipple discharge or inversion
2. Cervical Cancer
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Unusual discharge
3. Oral Cancer
- Mouth ulcers
- White/red patches
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
4. Lung Cancer
- Persistent cough
- Blood in sputum
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
5. Colorectal Cancer
- Blood in stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
How to Support Cancer Patients with Compassion
National Cancer Awareness Day is not only about medical facts—it is also about humanity.
Students, families and communities are encouraged to support cancer patients with empathy:
- Be an active listener: Sometimes listening matters more than offering solutions.
- Acknowledge their emotions: Avoid dismissing their fears with excessive positivity.
- Be present: Your presence—physical or emotional—matters deeply.
- Educate yourself: Understanding their cancer type helps you support them better.
Read Also: New Target for Cancer Treatment Discovered by Scientists
Seven Everyday Habits That Lower Cancer Risk
Oncologists emphasise that almost 30–50% of cancer cases can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes.
On National Cancer Awareness Day 2025, Dr Rajesh Kumar Jain shares seven everyday habits that reduce cancer risk:
1. Quit Tobacco Completely
Tobacco contains over 70 cancer-causing chemicals. Even smokeless forms like gutka and paan masala are dangerous. Avoiding secondhand smoke is equally crucial.
2. Move Your Body Daily
Brisk walking, cycling or yoga for 30 minutes helps reduce inflammation, strengthen immunity and maintain healthy weight.
3. Choose Real, Fresh Food
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes protects cells and lowers cancer risk. Limit processed meats and sugary foods.
4. Minimise Alcohol Consumption
Even moderate drinking raises the risk of breast, liver and colorectal cancers. Alcohol breaks down into chemicals that damage DNA.
5. Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
Sunscreen (SPF 30+), protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds prevent skin cancer.
6. Manage Stress
Chronic stress weakens immunity and leads to unhealthy habits. Practices like meditation, deep breathing and journaling help maintain balance.
7. Never Skip Screenings
Regular mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies and low-dose CT scans for smokers detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear.
Why November 7 Carries Global Meaning
Apart from India’s National Cancer Awareness Day, November 7 is marked by several global observances including:
- National Retinol Day
- Fountain Pen Day
- National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
- Love Your Lawyer Day
- National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
These observances celebrate wellness, creativity, gratitude and awareness across different communities.
The Divine Knowledge Of Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji: A Path Toward Pure Living & Inner Well-Being
On National Cancer Awareness Day, it is essential to remember that true health encompasses both the body and the soul. The Unique Divine Knowledge Of Tatvdarshi Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj inspires individuals to adopt a pure, disciplined and addiction-free lifestyle through the practice of true devotion. His Teachings emphasise inner peace, moral living and freedom from harmful habits—creating a foundation where physical health naturally thrives. By embracing His Guidance, one can walk toward a life of purity, stability and spiritual strength.
For more spiritual wisdom and life-transforming guidance, visit www.jagatgururampalji.org and explore the official YouTube channel Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
Moving Toward a Healthier, More Aware Nation
National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 stands as a reminder that prevention, education and early detection are India’s strongest defence against the rising cancer burden. With doctors urging early screenings, communities supporting patients with compassion and individuals adopting healthier habits, collective action can dramatically reduce cancer risk. This day encourages every citizen to stay informed, prioritise preventive health and take meaningful steps toward a stronger, healthier future.
FAQs on National Cancer Awareness Day 2025
1. What is the purpose of National Cancer Awareness Day 2025?
It aims to raise awareness about cancer risks, prevention, early detection and the importance of routine screenings to reduce India’s rising cancer burden.
2. Why do doctors urge young adults to start screenings early?
Because early screening detects cancer before symptoms appear, offering simpler treatment options and significantly improving recovery chances.
3. Which screenings are essential for early cancer detection?
Pap smears, HPV tests, mammograms, colonoscopies and low-dose CT scans for smokers are crucial for spotting early-stage cancers.
4. What lifestyle habits help reduce cancer risk?
Quitting tobacco, exercising daily, eating fresh food, reducing alcohol, protecting skin from UV rays and managing stress lower cancer risk.
5. What are common early signs of cancer to watch for?
Lumps, unusual bleeding, persistent cough, mouth patches, bowel habit changes, weight loss and shortness of breath need prompt medical attention.
