National Cancer Awareness Day (Nov 7) – Be Aware, Be Safe!

November 7, is known as National Cancer Awareness Day in India. The day was marked as an important event by Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in the year 2014. “It is high time we went into combative mode against this disease,” Dr. Harsh Vardhan had said.

As per reports, India records 1.1 million fresh cases of cancer every year, and sadly, more than 66 percent of those cases are detected at advanced stages where the treatment becomes near impossible. Thus it is essential that one educates self about cancer and its types to be prepared for any symptoms that may develop.

The major types of cancer are –

• Carcinoma – Carcinomas are the most common kinds of cancer that develop in skin, lungs, breasts, pancreas, and other glands and organs.
• Sarcoma – Although relatively uncommon, these originate in soft or connective tissues of the body like the blood-vessels, bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle.
• Melanoma – These arise in skin pigment cells.
• Lymphoma – Cancers of lymphocytes.
• Leukemia – This is the cancer of the blood.

While each type of cancer comes with its own symptoms, there are some that need to be watched out for and brought to the attention of a medical practitioner. However, one must note that the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean cancer and it must be consulted with a doctor before making any self-conclusions.

• Blood-tinged saliva
• Blood in the stool
• Unexplained anemia
• Breast lump or breast discharge
• Lumps in the testicles

While these are only some of the severe symptoms noticed in different types of cancer, there are many other symptoms that must be watched out for. This National Cancer Awareness Day, let us join hands in making a firm decision to be aware of our own bodies and take any sudden unexplained change in the body as a symptom to be checked by a medical professional. Be aware, be safe.