Discussion told
In Bangladesh, 22,000 women fall victims to breast cancer which leads to 17,000 deaths every year, speakers said at a discussion yesterday.
At the discussion styled “International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2012”, held at Dhaka Ahsania Mission auditorium, they urged the need for widespread awareness and knowledge creation about this deadly but curable disease.
Begum Dina Haque, advisor of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, said this month is the international breast cancer awareness month.
Dr Harunur Rashid, surgical oncologist at Ahsania Mission Hospital, said all women should have basic knowledge about breast cancer. They should check themselves or get regular medical examinations done to detect the disease at an early stage.
Although 90% of the cases are women, men can also suffer from the disease, he said adding that they should also be aware of symptoms of the disease.
State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury emphasised the role of community clinics and their referral services which can help women at the grass roots level regarding breast cancer awareness.
Kazi Rafiqul Alam, president of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, among others, spoke at the discussion.
-With The Daily Star input
