National Cancer Awareness Day is observed on Nov. 7 every year to spread valuable information about the disease that kills an average of 10 million people every year.

Cancer is an umbrella term used for a range of diseases that target different parts of the body. The disease is alternatively called malignant tumors and neoplasms. Cancer gives birth to abnormal cells that cut across their boundaries to affect larger areas and spread to other organs. The patient stands the chance to survive if the cancer is diagnosed in earlier stages but the possibilities are low when it reaches the second or third stage.

National Cancer Awareness Day began in India in September 2014. The Indian Union Minister for Health and Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced that it will be observed on Nov. 7 every year to facilitate the dissemination of information regarding early detection and prevention of cancer by making the necessary lifestyle changes.

The date coincides with the birth anniversary of Marie Curie, a Nobel prize-winning scientist who is known for discovering radium and polonium. Her work paved the way for the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy that is used to treat cancer.

Common Symptoms of Cancer

The observance is important because encourages people to reach out for medical help in case they notice symptoms that are consistent with cancer. (Courtesy: National Cancer Institute)

  • Breast changes like lumps, nipple changes or discharge or skin that's red, scaly, dimpled, puckered or itchy
  • Bladder changes like having trouble or experiencing pain when urinating or seeing blood in one's urine
  • Bleeding or bruising for no apparent reason
  • Changes in one's bowel such as having blood in the stools or changes in bowel habits
  • Persistent cough or hoarseness
  • Eating problems such as experiencing pain when eating, having trouble swallowing food, having belly pain, feeling nauseous and throwing up or experiencing changes in one's appetite
  • Severe and persistent fatigue
  • Fever or night sweats without a known reason
  • Changes in one's mouth like having a red or white patch on the tongue or bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth or lip
  • Neurological issues like headaches, seizures or changes in one's vision or hearing
  • Skin changes such as having a flesh-colored mass that bleeds or becomes scaly, a mole or a change in an existing mole, a sore that won't heal or jaundice
  • Swelling or lumps on any part of the body like neck, stomach, underarm and groin
  • Weight loss or gain for no known reason

Quotes About Cancer

Now, let's take a look at some quotes about the deadly disease. (Courtesy: Goodreads)

  • "Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever." — Lance Armstrong Sally Jenkins
  • "You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun." — Shaun Hick
  • "Nah. I'm a tough cookie. Except for the cancer, I'm fine."— Lisa Scottoline
  • "If it's possible to send a message from heaven, I'll get one to you." — Lurlene McDaniel
  • "Everyone in this world is breathing borrowed air." — Rachael Lippincott
  • "It lit up like a Christmas Tree Hazel Grace." — John Green
  • "I am not afraid to die; I am only afraid of saying goodbye to you forever." — Shannon L. Alder
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