- There are more than 100 types of cancers; almost any part of the body can be affected.
- The five most frequent cancers (ranking defined by total number of cases) in India in men and women are breast, cervical, oral cavity, lung and colorectal.
- Cancer is the second most common cause of death in India (after cardiovascular disease).
- Use of tobacco products (e.g. smoking cigarettes) are the single most preventable cause of death worldwide.
- More women in India die from cervical cancer than in any other country.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in India and accounts for about a quarter of all cancers in women in Indian cities.
- The average age for breast cancer in India is almost a decade lower than that in the West.
- Cancers of major public health relevance such as breast, cervical, oral and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
- Cancers of the oral cavity as well as lung cancers due to chewing or smoking tobacco can be prevented.
It is important to remember these dates as several cancer awareness and screening activities and health check-ups are organized by various government and private institutions, especially on these days and one can avail of these facilities.
