Over 15 lakh cancer patients in Bangladesh: WHO

Cancer patients are increasing day by day and at present more than 15 lakh cancer patients in the country, according to an updated estimation of World Health Organisation (WHO).

The report also showed that every year two lakh people are attacked by cancer and 1.5 lakh people die of the disease.

The World Cancer Day will be observed tomorrow in the country as elsewhere across the world for raising awareness and education about cancer and aiming to press the governments and individuals to take action against the disease.

World Cancer Day event takes place every year on February 4 to unite the world’s population to fight against cancer.

Different organisations chalked out elaborate programmes to observe the day in a befitting manner.

This year the theme of the Day is ‘I Am and I Will’, which refers — Whoever you are, you have the power to reduce the impact of cancer for yourself, the people you love and for the world. It’s time to make a personal commitment.

This year the campaign will be articulated around four key areas of focus. These are, choosing healthy lives, delivering early detection, achieving treatment for all and maximizing quality of life.

As per WHO the rate of cancer affected people and their deaths in Bangladesh are rising, mainly because of low literacy, poor awareness level and poor economic condition.

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Cancer is the rapid creation of abnormal cells that grow beyond their usual boundaries, and which can then invade adjoining parts of the body and spread to other organs.

To mark the day, the Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque would join a discussion at National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) at Mohakhali in the city.

Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital (AMCGH) will organise a two-day programme. A rally would organise at 9 am from AMCGH Mirpur Hospital tomorrow and a discussion would also be held at the same venue where State Minister Dr Murad Hasan will present as the chief guest.