Speakers at a seminar underscored the importance of awareness of breast cancer to save lives, saying that early detection increases the chance of successful treatment and complete recovery while preserving the breast and improving quality of life.
‘Amra Nari’ and ‘Amra Nari Research and Development’ in collaboration with Pran-RFL Group jointly arranged the seminar at the conference room of Pran Centre at Pragati Sarani of Middle Badda in the capital on Thursday (November 7, 2024).
The Bangladesh Post, Daily Ittefaq, Bangla Tribune and Ekattor TV were media partners of the event, while the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) was hospital partner.
M M Zahidur Rahman, founder and chief coordinator of ‘Amra Nari’ and ‘Amra Nari Research and Development’; moderated the event where health experts and advocates and rights activists shared information on preventive measures and early detection strategies of breast cancer.
Dr. Umme Humyra Kaneta, a breast cancer specialist from National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH); gave a presentation on breast cancer awareness. She placed PowerPoint presentation on some relevant statistics, cause, awareness, detection, prevention and treatment of breast cancer in Bangladesh.
Md Sayedul Islam, a former secretary of Ministry of Agriculture; Rahima Begum, an additional secretary of the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance; Sabiha Parveen, a former additional secretary of the government; and Samiul Islam Hiron, an IT consultant; spoke on the occasion, among others.
Uzma Chowdhury, director (corporate finance) at PRAN-RFL Group; Nurul Afsar, deputy general manager of the PRAN-RFL Group; Dr Lopa, a cosmetic surgeon of Sun Health Care; and some other officials of PRAN-RFL Group attended the event.
In her presentation, Dr. Umme Humyra Kaneta spoke on the current scenario of breast cancer in the country and how it affects not only a patient, but also a family. She emphasised on early detection of breast cancer. She also discussed the symptoms and treatment methods related to breast cancer.
She said that breast cancer can be successfully treated, especially if it is detected at its earliest stage, due to advancements in diagnosis and treatments. Early detection provides the chance of better treatment, resulting in reduced disease severity and mortality rates. So, early detection of breast cancer by using digital mammogram and ultrasound is important, she added.
She said that patients of breast cancer come to the doctor for treatment in the third or fourth stage of cancer.
According to her and other health experts and advocates, breast cancer has become a most frightening disease among women worldwide.
The speakers of the event said that breast cancer is not just a worry for women, but it affects the health and mentality of men as well. They emphasised on the importance of education and awareness in combating the disease.
M M Zahidur Rahman informed the audience about awareness activities ‘Amra Nari’ over breast cancer. The seminar was arranged to educate women on key preventive measures and empower them to safeguard their health.
“Breast cancer is a health issue that cannot be ignored. We are reaching women to make them aware of the disease and we are committed to building awareness across the country,” said M M Zahidur Rahman.
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. Humyra 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.
