Breast Cancer Battle: 700 Women Trained in Chattogram Awareness Drive; 4 Out of 12 Diagnosed Underwent Surgery
As part of a month-long breast cancer awareness campaign, a total of 700 women have been trained with the support of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC). The initiative was jointly conducted by the private hospital CSCR and the Postgraduate Surgical Academia (PGS). During the campaign, 451 women received free medical services, among whom 12 were diagnosed with breast cancer. Of them, four underwent surgery.
These details were shared by Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain at a press conference on Saturday, November 1, marking the conclusion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month at a local restaurant in the city.
Mayor Shahadat Hossain informed that the awareness campaign was organized by CSCR and PGS Academia, with logistical and moral support from the City Corporation.
He stated, “Globally, one in every eight women is at risk of developing breast cancer. If detected at an early stage, the recovery rate can reach between 95 and 100 percent. However, due to the conservative nature of our society, many women are reluctant to disclose breast-related health issues. We must bring the entire society under the umbrella of awareness.”
Emphasizing the need for attitudinal and behavioral change in addressing breast cancer, Dr. Shahadat Hossain added, “The success of treatment depends on whether the disease has spread to other organs. When diagnosed late, survival chances are extremely low, and treatment becomes highly complex and expensive. Family income levels and male attitudes toward women also play significant roles. Therefore, men must adopt a more empathetic and supportive mindset to help combat this disease.”
PGS Academia Chairman Professor Khandaker A. K. Azad remarked that although there is no precise data on the number of breast cancer patients in Chattogram, “detecting 12 positive cases among 451 women in a short time is alarming.”
Representatives from CSCR stated that patients received free consultations under the supervision of experienced surgeons, along with a 50% discount on diagnostic tests for critical conditions.
Among others present at the event were CSCR Chairman Dr. Khurshid Jamil Chowdhury, CCC Chief Health Officer Dr. Imam Hossain Rana, Professor Md. Manjurul Islam, Dr. S. M. Tarek, Dr. Ekramul Haque, Dr. Kazi Ainul Haque, Associate Professor of Surgery at Chattogram Medical College Hospital Dr. Sakeera Begum, and Assistant Professor Dr. Sayera Banu Shiuly.
