Finds a 2-year research
As many as 18 women die from cervical cancer and more than 35 others are diagnosed as having the fatal disease in the country every day, oncologists and gynaecologists told a research report dissemination session on Thursday.
Cervical cancer is transmitted by virus and, in most cases, is related to sexually transmitted infections, they said at the programme organised by Bangladesh Oncology Club in a city hotel to disseminate the report of a research conducted under the ‘pilot programme on prevention of cervical cancer by HPV vaccination in Bangladesh’.
Bangladesh Cervical Cancer Vaccination Pro-gramme Committee conducted the study in 2008 to 2010.
The researchers found 97 per cent of the cervical cancer cases vaccinated under the programme had developed antibodies.
A total of 50 unmarried girls aged between 9 and 13 years were given three doses of the vaccine and had been monitored for the following two years under the programme.
Sabera Khatun, a professor of gynaecology and oncology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, said the vaccination had very few side effects like fever, pain, and allergic reactions.
Sabera, also the member secretary of the cervical cancer vaccination programme, said all married women and unmarried teenage girls having premarital sexual experience should be brought under the vaccination programme.
She laid emphasis on vaccination as, she said, it was the most effective way of preventing women from developing cervical cancer.
This vaccination programme should be brought under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation implemented across the country, maintained Shahla Khatun, a gynaecologist and the chairperson of Mother Care Hospital.
The speakers however warned against women being vaccinated during pregnancy.
Prime minister’s health adviser Syed Modasser Ali stressed women’s empowerment as they were more vulnerable to various diseases. He also said the cost of healthcare services should be drastically decreased to ensure every citizen’s access to them.
BSMMU vice-chancellor Pran Gopal Datta, Oncology Club president professor emeritus ABMF Karim, and Grameenphone Limited deputy director (communication) were also present at the session.
