Cancer, a complex and multidimensional set of diseases, arises from the uncontrolled growth and spread of aberrant cells in the body. These abnormal cells, sometimes called cancer cells, can infiltrate neighbouring tissues and maybe spread—a process known as metastasis—to other body areas

Cancer has emerged as one of the most threatening diseases and it has been engulfing every age of people. Thus to create awareness among the masses about early detections and avoid leading cancer-causing lifestyles, National Cancer Awareness Day is observed every 7th of November. This significant day was first established by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, the Indian Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in September 2014.

This day is observed to commemorate the life and legacy of famed Nobel Prize winner Madame Curie. Born in 1867, Madame Curie is renowned for several ground-breaking discoveries that have made a significant impact on the ongoing fight against cancer. Her outstanding research has contributed to advancements in radiation therapy for cancer treatment as well as nuclear energy. Thus, National Cancer Awareness Day honours Madame Curie while also serving as a reminder of the profound influence her scientific work has had on our ability to fight cancer. It is the day to honour her for her important contributions to the advancement of oncology and the betterment of innumerable people afflicted with this illness.

According to the National Library of Medicine, the estimated number of incident cases of cancer in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427. In India, one in nine people is likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime. Lung and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. Among the childhood (0-14 yr) cancers, lymphoid leukaemia (boys: 29.2% and girls: 24.2%) was the leading site. The incidence of cancer cases is also estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020.

National Cancer Awareness Day encourages individuals to contribute to the cause and promote awareness by promoting healthy lifestyles, educating ourselves and others, participating in fundraising, supporting cancer patients, and having regular health check-ups. Bone marrow donations are another way to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.

Child Help Foundation along with Filaantro its crowdfunding partner one of the main missions is to help cancer encapsulated underprivileged children financially through fundraisings. Under the Emergency Medical Support program, thanks to our donors the organisation could help 2879 financially constrained children with successful treatments and these children today are leading a bright life.

National Cancer Awareness Day is an occasion to unite in the fight against cancer, and your involvement can make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities affected by this disease.