Cancer Awareness

In India, the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly; therefore it is important to step up cancer literacy and knowledge amongst the population.

We hope that this will lead to early detection which is important in the management and treatment of cancer and also prevention by making necessary changes in lifestyle.

Breast Cancer is rapidly rising amongst women in urban areas and it is the most common cancer in India. Early detection is essential in its management and treatment. Due to ignorance, fear, and social stigma many women present with stage III or IV cancer which requires surgery and extensive treatment. If detected early, then in most cases there will be less aggressive treatment and better chances of recovery.

Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. It is the only preventable cancer and it can be detected in the pre - cancerous phase and cured.

Oral and Lung cancers are highest among men and women in the urban as well as rural population and these can also be prevented to a large extent. Therefore, making people aware of the dangers of chewing tobacco and smoking is of great importance.

Leading an active life, combined with healthy food habits is essential to good health.

Objectives of the Cancer Awareness Program

Create cancer awareness and remove the stigma and fear attached.
Help people recognize the early signs and symptoms of cancer, thus enabling them to seek treatment at an early stage.
Educate people about the key risk factors, since more than 30% of cancer cases could be prevented by modifying lifestyle or avoiding the risk factors.
Inform people about the importance of regular screening and check-ups.
Inform women about mammograms, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam.
Inform women about Pap smear tests to check for signs of cervical cancer.
The primary goal of ICS is to promote and develop awareness in the public and emphasize the importance of early detection, all of which play a major role in the treatment of cancer. Cancer awareness can also lead to people making healthier lifestyle choices.

Cancer Awareness Campaign 2019

The aim of the campaign is to create cancer awareness amongst the population of India. It is important to dispel the myths that people wrongly believe, inform them about the signs and symptoms, and importance of screening for early detection. It is also vital to follow a healthy lifestyle, and sharing of survivor stories gives a message of hope and confidence.

The campaign is called "Raho cancer se do kadam aage"
- the objective being, that if you are aware of all these factors you can stay two steps ahead of cancer!

Indian Cancer Society has collaborated with Dainik Bhaskar Group of newspapers for this campaign. The editions are published in Hindi, Marathi & Gujarati in Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra which reach 62 lakh households.

World Cancer Day

The content informed readers not to be afraid of cancer and that if they had the right information, a healthy lifestyle, had screening tests and looked for early signs and symptoms they could stay two steps ahead of cancer.

Healthy Life Style

Do not smoke or chew tobacco
Limit alcohol consumption
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and grains
Do not be overweight
Lead an active life and exercise
Sleep for minimum 7 hours a day
Get screened and do medical check up regularly

Screening

Breast cancer: One in 25 women has a chance of getting breast cancer in India. Screening by mammography for women over 45 or post menopause, Clinical breast exam by a doctor and self breast exam are methods of early detection.
Oral cancer: This is among the top cancers in India due to rampant use of chewing tobacco and smoking. High consumption of alcohol is also a risk factor. Doctors check for red or white patches in the mouth and for lumps in the mouth and throat. A regular dental check for sharp edges of teeth is also recommended.
Cervical cancer: This cancer is 2^nd highest among women in India. This can be detected in the pre - cancerous stage and treated before it turns into cancer. Screening tests are Pap smear, VIA and HPV.
Colorectal cancer: This is also a common cancer and tests can be done to detect it early.
Prostate Cancer: This is a cancer that affects older men and there are screening tests for this cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Red or white patches in the mouth
A lump in any part of the body
Unexplained bleeding from any part of the body
Change in mole or wart
Hoarseness or difficulty in swallowing
Change in bladder or bowel movement

Myths

Cancer only means death
One gets cancer because of bad karma
Cancer is contagious
Stress, hair dye, deodorants do not cause cancer
Cancers are always hereditary
Some forms of tobacco do not cause cancer

Awareness events through the year

January

Mumbai Marathon
February 4

World Cancer Day
February

Race of Hope at RWITC
May 31

World No Tobacco day
September

Childhood Cancer Awareness month
October

Breast Cancer Awareness month
Throughout The Year

Cancer awareness talks in schools, colleges, corporates, prisons, government institutions and in the community.