World Rose Day, also known as the Day for the Welfare of Cancer Patients, is annually observed across the globe on 22nd September to raise awareness about cancer and to demonstrate solidarity with cancer patients and their loved ones.
- The day aims to honour the strength and courage of those battling cancer, bringing happiness, support, and hope to cancer patients and their caregivers.
Background:
i.The origin of World Rose Day was credited to Melinda Rose Hathaway, a 12-year-old Canadian girl diagnosed with Askin’s Tumor, a rare form of blood cancer in 1994.
ii.The day is reportedly observed in memory of Melinda Rose, who passed away on 15 September 1996, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength.
Global Cancer Impact:
i.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Cancer causes 1 in 6 deaths globally, with 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022. By 2050, the cancer burden is expected to rise by 77%.
ii.In 2022, over 788,000 cases were diagnosed in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, projected to reach 1.57 million by 2045 due to population growth and risk factors like tobacco use and obesity.
iii.Up to 50% of cancers are preventable and the key behaviours include avoiding tobacco, eating healthy, exercising, and getting vaccinated.
Cancer Cases in India:
i.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP), the estimated cancer cases in India reached 1,496,972 in 2023, up from 1,461,427 in 2022.
- The estimated incidences of stomach cancer increased to 54,023 in 2023 from 52,706 cases in 2022.
ii.As per the report in 2023, Uttar Pradesh (UP) is at the top among 37 states and Union Territories (UTs), with a total of 215,931 cases of cancer, the highest in India.
- Maharashtra is ranked 2nd in India with a total of 124584 cancer cases, followed by West Bengal (WB) in the 3rd with 116230 cancer cases.
iii.The ICMR-NCRP also projected that the number of cancer cases in India will increase to 15.7 lakh by 2025.
iv.The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) launched an initiative Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT), to provide affordable medicines for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, and other diseases.
