Two-day ‘Bangladesh International Cancer Congress 2025’ kicks off

The two-day Bangladesh International Cancer Congress 2025, organised by the Oncology Club, Bangladesh, began today at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, bringing together leading oncologists, cancer professionals, and researchers from around the world.

At the inaugural session, experts cautioned that the rising incidence of cancer in Bangladesh and other developing nations is largely linked to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, food adulteration, and air pollution. They noted that Bangladesh now reports around 250,000 new cancer cases each year, a figure that continues to climb amid growing environmental and dietary risks.

The congress has drawn participation from over 1,200 delegates, including 31 renowned experts from 16 countries.

Professor Dr. M. A. Hai, President of the Oncology Club Bangladesh and of the Congress, described the growing number of cancer patients in developing nations as "deeply alarming."

"A large portion of our population still remains beyond the reach of proper cancer treatment," he said. "The mission of the Oncology Club is to develop skilled professionals and ensure quality healthcare to modernize cancer treatment in Bangladesh."

Dr. Hai also called for collective action to combat the disease saying, "To win the fight against cancer and bring smiles back to patients and their families, we must work together."

He praised the government's initiative to establish cancer units in every district and urged young physicians to take leadership in cancer prevention and treatment.

This year's academic partners include the University of Bologna (Italy), SingHealth (Singapore), and the Global Health Catalyst. The congress has also attracted participation from institutions such as Royal Modern Hospital (UK), St. Bartholomew's Hospital (UK), KHCC Education and Training Academy, Whipps Cross University Hospital, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (USA), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Under the leadership of Professor Dr. M. A. Hai, President, and Dr. A. M. M. Shariful Alam, General Secretary of the Oncology Club Bangladesh, the country's top oncologists, scientists, and researchers are conducting academic sessions and discussions aimed at advancing cancer research, treatment, and policy in Bangladesh.