Seminar on Prostate Cancer Awareness Held at BRAC University
A daylong seminar on prostate cancer awareness was held at BRAC University’s Merul Badda campus on Thursday, September 11. The program featured poster presentations and a quiz competition focused on prostate cancer.
The event highlighted that prostate cancer occurs when cells in the male prostate gland grow abnormally. Symptoms may include difficulty in urination, slow or weak urine flow, frequent urination at night, and sometimes the presence of blood in the urine.
Delivering the keynote, Dr. Arman Reza Chowdhury, Senior Consultant of Radiation Oncology at Evercare Hospital, stated, “Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men worldwide, ranking just after lung cancer. In 2022, nearly 14.2 percent of newly diagnosed male cancer cases globally were prostate cancer.”
He further noted that prostate cancer is on the rise in South Asia. Factors such as age, family history, diet, obesity, and lifestyle increase the risk. According to him, men aged 45–50 should undergo regular PSA tests for screening. He emphasized, “Prostate cancer develops slowly, and even in its advanced stages, with proper treatment, patients can lead a normal life for a long time.”
Dr. Arman also underscored the crucial role of pharmacists in treatment and care, saying, “Pharmacists play an important role in ensuring proper medication use, managing side effects, contributing to research, and bridging communication between patients and doctors.” He added that treatment facilities in Bangladesh are highly standard, remarking, “Several leading pharmaceutical companies in our country are already producing prostate cancer medications, which are available at affordable prices and benefiting patients.”
BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Farhat Anwar, who was present at the seminar, said, “Regular health checkups are essential. Hiding illnesses or feeling ashamed because of them can be very harmful. We must all remain aware and promote more such awareness programs. Health insurance alone cannot solve everything.”
Acting Dean of the School of Pharmacy, A F M Yusuf Haider, stressed the need for skilled manpower alongside modern hospital equipment. He said, “Every hospital should have qualified medical physicists. With the use of technology and artificial intelligence, our healthcare system has improved further.” He also urged students to adopt healthier eating habits and expressed optimism that such programs would play a key role in enhancing awareness and preventive healthcare practices.
The seminar was jointly organized by the BRAC University School of Pharmacy, BRAC University Pharma Society, Everest Pharmaceuticals Limited, and the Office of Co-Curricular Activities, as part of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Senior Lecturer Mohammad Kawser Sharif Siam of the School of Pharmacy also addressed the seminar.
The organizers noted that by breaking stereotypes around masculinity, health, and vulnerability, and by fostering awareness, education, and cooperation, BRAC University is contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
