Bangladesh's cancer diagnosis facilities have yet to reach the advanced level available in some neighbouring countries, said pathologists at a discussion yesterday.

A crucial part of modern cancer diagnosis known as histopathology, which involves microscopic examination of tissues to detect specific types of cancer has not been practiced much in the country, they said.

A lack of research in the field, scarcity of state-of-the-art technology and expertise are the main reasons why histopathology has not been developed, they added.

The views came at the logo launching ceremony of "The 3rd SAARC Academy of Cytopathology and Histopathology Conference" at the capital's Kurmitola Golf Club.

The three-day conference organised by SAARC Academy of Cytopathology and Histopathology, and Bangladesh Academy of Pathology will be held at the same venue on October 2-4.

"Cancer specialists of the Saarc region who significantly contributed to cancer diagnosis would present their research and share experience at the conference," said chairperson of the conference Prof Shah Monir Hossain.

The conference will not only provide the country's pathologists advanced knowledge in the field but also create opportunities for cooperation among physicians across borders, he said.

President of Bangladesh Academy of Pathology Prof Mohammed Kamal, and conference executive committee secretary Brig Gen SM Mahbubul Alam, among others, spoke.