World Cancer Day is being observed today. The Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year through education, raising awareness and by pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the deadly disease. This year, Union for International Cancer Control, which organizes World Cancer Day, is launching a new 3-year campaign with the theme: “I Am and I Will.”
Over 9.6 million People die each year from cancer which is more than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. India has around 2.25 million cases with over 1 lakh new cases being registered every year. In 2018, the disease led to nearly 7 lakh deaths. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates that the country is likely to register over 17 lakh new cases and report over 8 lakh deaths by 2020.
On World Cancer Day, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has called upon doctors, policy makers and experts to create greater awareness on cancer prevention. The Vice President said, there is an urgent need to establish cancer units for early detection, diagnosis, treatment in rural areas at an affordable price.