The number of cancer patients in the country is increasing day by day. Men's cavities, lung cancer and breast, cervical cancer in women are mossre common. Experts urged for increased public awareness to prevent these cancers. Out of every six patient one dies from cancer.
Director of the National Cancer Research Institute Hospital (NCRI) and Professor of Radiotherapy Mosharraf Hossain said, “Mass awareness is needed to prevent cancer,” At present, the number of cancer patients in the country is about 1.5 million. Every year 1,50,781 people are infected with cancer. And, about 1,8,137 people are dying, he added.
Secretary of Health and Family Welfare (Health Services) Md Asadul Islam said, “All diseases including malaria, diarrhea and cholera are under control. But the case of Cancer is not similar.” That is why we need awareness first. We have to look at management, skilled manpower, financial issues, technology, research issues, he added. He further remarked that, our expenditure for per head healthcare is $ 40. Vice-Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Kanak Kanti Barua said, “If the disease is diagnosed in the initial stage, then cancer can be prevented.”
So everyone should be aware. This hazard can be dealt with only if aware. We have a shortage of specialist treatment in this regard. We are trying to create efficient manpower, he added. Additional Director General of the Department of Health and Joint Secretary Professor of the Non Communicable Disease Control (NCDC) Multicultural Committee AHM Enayet Hossain said, “Public awareness should be raised to prevent cancer. On the other hand, everyone should come forward to treat cancer patients.”
Director of Bangladesh Cancer Society Hospital Dr Golam Mohiuddin Farooq said, “There is no accurate statistics on cancer patients in the country. Therefore, through the community clinic medical services, a survey can be conducted to get the actual number of patients. If the government wants it, you can do it.”
Currently at least 160 cancer centers are required in the country. Besides, at the government level there are only 9 hospitals and several private hospitals providing the treatment of cancer patients in the country. At the same time experts opined that there are lack of specialist doctors, skilled oncologists and nurses for cancer treatment across the country.