Early diagnosis can greatly benefit breast cancer patients from being affected, experts said. They highly recommended screening for breast cancer among the ‘vulnerable’ women. The experts also revealed that breast cancer in Bangladesh is increasing alarmingly. They pointed out that childless women are at higher risk of breast cancer. In addition, getting married after 30 years of age and taking child at older age, the risk gets much higher. Eating fatty products, meat and avoiding eating vegetables and fruits also increases the chances of developing breast cancer.
The above information was disclosed at a day long free health camp on ‘Breast Cancer Screening’ held on Friday for the female members of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) held at Sagor-Runi Milonayoton of DRU. The Women’s Physician Team led by the Head of Epidemiology Department of National Cancer Institute and Hospital, Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin attended the camp.
The programme was presided over by DRU President Elias Hossain where State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Dr Md Enamur Rahman was present as chief guest. Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin was the key speaker and DRU Welfare Secretary Kawsar Azam was the convener of the programme. DRU General Secretary Kabir Ahmed Khan gave vote of thanks.
Among others, Professor of Community Medical College Dr Garia Tasnim, Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology Dr Md Hasanuzzaman, DRU Finance Secretary Ziaul Haque Sabuj, Organizing Secretary Afzal Bari, Cultural Secretary Emdadul Haque Khan, Hospitality Secretary HM Akter, Executive Member Khalid Saifullah, Mohammed Naimuddin and Rashedul Islam were present.
Dr Md Enamur Rahman said, “Day by day the prevalence of breast cancer are increasing at a very large scale. There is no alternative to raising public awareness. Initially, for diagnosis screening programmes need to be made accessible to the public. The government has already approved Tk 2300 crore project for setting up full cancer treatment center in eight major cities. If this project is implemented successfully, diagnosis and screening will be within reach of people.”
Dr Md Habibullah Talukder Ruskin said, “Every year more than 12,000 women get affected by cancer and more than 7000 women die. One of the main causes of breast cancer is, being diagnosed late, not getting proper and full treatment, or having no post-treatment follow-up.”
He further added, childless women are at higher risk of breast cancer. In addition, getting married after 30 years of age and taking child at older age, the risk gets much higher. Eating fatty products, meat and avoiding eating vegetables and fruits also increases the rate of breast cancer.
DRU members and families will be able to receive medical care at the Community Oncology Center (7/9 B) on Friday from 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm on other days. The health camp was organized in association with Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited and the Community Oncology Foundation of Bangladesh.
