Health experts, breast cancer awareness advocates and rights activists called for taking proactive measures to reduce breast cancer risk in the country.
Speaking at a seminar, they provided attendees with important information and guidance on breast cancer risk, early detection and preventative measures.
‘Amra Nari’ and ‘Amara Nari Research and Development’ jointly arranged the seminar at the conference room of Press Information Department (PID) in Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday (November 21).
The event took place with the technical support of PID. The Bangladesh Post, Daily Ittefaq, Ekattor TV and Dhaka Mail were the media partners of the event. ‘Amra Nari’ and ‘Amara Nari Research and Development’ recently arranged some other seminars on breast cancer with the support of PRAN-RFL Group and IDPC Finance.
Md Nizamul Kabir, Principal Information Officer (PIO) of the PID, attended Thursday’s seminar as the chief guest. MM Zahidur Rahman Biplob, founder and chief coordinator of ‘Aamra Nari’ and ‘Aamra Nari Research and Development; delivered the welcome speech, while Dr. Umme Humyra Kaneta, a breast cancer specialist from National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), was present as resource person. The NICRH was the hospital partner of the event.
A number of female officials of the PID and some other government bodies took part in the event with the objective to raise awareness, emphasise the importance of early detection and provide preventive information.
Speakers of the seminar stressed creating public awareness to substantially reduce the death rate of women with breast cancer in the country, particularly at the grassroots level.
They said that many patients of breast cancer do not receive any information before the awareness. They mostly receive information from physicians. Mass media should focus on raising public awareness about prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
In her presentation, Dr. Umme Humyra Kaneta discussed breast cancer risk assessment, early symptom identification, and the importance of regular screenings for women. She noted that performing self-exams monthly starting at age 20, and getting an annual mammogram starting at age 40, can play an effective role in breast cancer prevention.
According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 15,000 women in Bangladesh are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, with over 7,500 losing their lives to the disease.
Many women were unable to recognise early signs due to social barriers and lack of awareness.
