Recognizing that breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women worldwide and in Bangladesh, speakers at an awareness seminar emphasised the importance of education and awareness in combating the disease.
They stressed on creating awareness also at grassroots level to reduce the death rate of women with breast cancer in the country.
‘Amra Nari’ and ‘Amra Nari Research and Development’ jointly arranged the seminar in collaboration with IPDC Finance in the auditorium of IPDC Finance at Gulshan in the capital on Tuesday (October 29). The Bangladesh Post, Bangla Tribune, Bangladesh Protidin and Ekattor TV were media partners of the event.
M M Zahidur Rahman, founder and chief coordinator ‘Amra Nari’ and ‘Amra Nari Research and Development’; presided over the event where Dr. Umme Humaira Kanata, a breast cancer specialist from National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH); presented the keynote address and shared vital information on breast cancer awareness.
Sabiha Parveen, a former additional secretary of the government; Samiul Islam Hiron, an IT consultant; Rizwan Dawood Shams, managing director of IPDC Finance; Syed Iqbal, chief human resources officer; Fahmida Khan, chief financial officer; and Samiul Hashim, head of legal & corporate communication; were also present at the event, among others.
M M Zahidur Rahman said that seminar aimed to raise awareness among the female officers and employees about breast cancer and to promote prevention and treatment measures nationwide through IPDC Finance’s programme.
He also said that they have been organising seminars and other programmes on breast cancer awareness to reduce breast cancer related deaths.
Dr. Humaira provided the audience with valuable guidance on breast self-examination, early detection, and preventive measures. She also discussed the symptoms and treatment methods related to breast cancer.
Speakers at the seminar said that breast cancer has become a major concern worldwide.
They have identified the lack of awareness of patients and coming to the doctor for treatment in the third or fourth stage of cancer as major reasons causing more deaths to women with breast cancer.
The speakers put special importance on creating mass public awareness about breast cancer at grassroots levels to reduce deaths of women with the disease.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 15,000 people in Bangladesh are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, of whom 98 per cent are women. Approximately 7,500 people die annually from this disease.
Despite the risks, many people, both men and women, feel reluctant to discuss breast cancer openly.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer: Presence of a lump in the armpit or breast; Swelling, pain, or puckering of the skin in the breast; Change in breast shape or redness; Discharge from the nipple.
Dr. Humaira recommended that starting from age 20, it is advised to perform a self-breast examination each month after menstruation. After the age of 40, a mammogram should be done annually.
