Cancer Care Calls: Experts Urge Mandatory Screening in Bangladesh
Cancer specialists have called for mandatory cancer screening in certain cases to curb the growing burden of the disease. The remarks came during the closing session of the two-day Bangladesh International Cancer Congress, organized by the Oncology Club, held at a hotel in Dhaka on Friday, 31 October.
During a press briefing on the second day of the conference, cancer specialist Dr. A. F. M. Kamal Uddin presented his research papers, highlighting both global cancer trends and the country’s insufficient cancer treatment infrastructure. He stressed the urgent need for proactive measures, warning that the disease could become far more severe in the coming years if neglected.
Dr. Kamal Uddin said, “In a developing country like Bangladesh, the number of radiotherapy machines is extremely low compared to the number of cancer patients. For 184,000 cancer patients nationwide, we need 209 radiotherapy machines. Currently, there are only 29 machines in the country, which is insufficient to treat the large patient population. Due to inadequate treatment and a shortage of radiotherapy machines, the mortality rate remains high. Therefore, it is imperative to install machines in divisional cities like Chattogram and Sylhet, in addition to fulfilling national demand.”
Cancer specialist Dr. M. Saiful Haque emphasized, “Reducing cancer mortality requires proper government policy and planning. Cancer treatment is costly, and the government should adopt a long-term strategy rather than focusing solely on initial investments. Public awareness is also urgently needed to combat cancer effectively.”
Dr. Mostofa Aziz Sumon, Member Secretary of this year’s conference, added, “Winning the war against cancer requires collective action, and we urge journalists to lead from the front in raising awareness.”
At the conference, Professor Dr. M. A. Hai, President of Oncology Club Bangladesh and the Cancer Congress, warned, “The rising number of cancer patients in Bangladesh and other developing countries is alarming. A significant portion of the population affected by cancer remains outside the scope of treatment. Modernizing cancer care while developing skilled and competent personnel remains the primary objective of our club. To bring smiles to patients and their families, we must work together.”
The conference also included academic partners such as Bologna University (Italy), SingHealth (Singapore), and Global Health Catalyst, along with participation from internationally renowned hospitals and research institutions, including the UK’s Royal Modern Hospital, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, KHCC Education & Training Academy, Whipps Cross University, and the U.S.-based UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and University of Pennsylvania.
Under the leadership of Professor Dr. M. A. Hai and General Secretary Dr. A. M. M. Shariful Alam, the conference gathered cancer specialists, scientists, and researchers from across Bangladesh and abroad. This year, the congress drew participation from 1,200 professionals, including 31 eminent cancer experts representing 16 countries.
