Take preventive measures against cancer: Doctors

Health experts yesterday urged the government to strengthen preventive measures to reduce patients of cancer, one of the leading causes of deaths in the country.

Every year, about two lakh people get cancer and 150,000 of them die from the disease. Presently, the country has 12 lakh cancer patients and the number is likely to increase in the coming years, they said.

Addressing a discussion on "Cancer Detection, Treatment: Opportunities and Cost", they further said the public sector does not have adequate treatment facilities for cancer patients, while treatment in the private sector is very costly.

Dr Habibullah Talukder Ruskin, associate professor at National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital, said, "A few years back, a major operation for breast cancer would cost between 15 and 50 thousand taka but the cost now is over one lakh taka."

Dr Fatema Ashraf of Shaheed Suhrawardi Medical College Hospital said prevention is more crucial than cure.      

Tobacco use, child marriage, frequent pregnancy, unsafe sex, unhygienic practices during menstruation, obesity, bad food habits and use of chemicals in food are some of the major causes of different types of cancer, experts said.

Dr Rehana Akhter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University suggested that the government take measures such as reducing water and air pollution and improving soil health.

She emphasised more awareness in this regard as early detection of cancer can lead to cure.

Public Health Foundation of Bangladesh (PHFB), Centre for Cancer Prevention and Research and Education for Human Resources Centre Cancer Support organised the discussion at Jatiya Press Club. PHFB President Prof Dr Mozaherul Huq moderated the discussion.