– Dr. Abu Jamil Faisel, Senior Public Health Specialist.
According to the World Health Organization, around 200,000 people in Bangladesh are diagnosed with cancer each year, and about 150,000 people die from it. Currently, there are approximately 1.3 to 1.5 million cancer patients in Bangladesh. Among men, lung cancer and oral cancer are the most common, while other prevalent types include esophageal and stomach cancer. For women, breast cancer and cervical cancer are most significant. Breast cancer is the most common among Bangladeshi women, and its incidence is steadily rising. However, with a bit of awareness and regular self-examination, breast cancer can be detected at an early stage. Early detection makes treatment easier and increases the chances of a return to normal life. Experts recommend that women learn how to perform breast self-exams and practice them regularly.
According to a survey conducted by icddr,b, cancer accounts for 21% of maternal deaths in Bangladesh. If the current trend continues, the cancer mortality rate will increase severalfold by 2030. By 2035, the number of new cancer cases is projected to reach 2.5 million. In response, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formulated the National Cancer Control Strategy 2009–2015 in 2008 with support from the WHO, aimed at comprehensive cancer care. Unfortunately, most aspects of this strategy have not been implemented.
Cancer is mentally exhausting and, for many, financially devastating. High treatment costs, lack of hospital beds, limited treatment options, poor communication between doctors and patients, lack of confidence in local doctors, confusion from multiple treatment opinions, shortage of trained specialists and medical facilities, unnecessary financial pressure on patients, and delays in reliable diagnostic results all contribute to the burden. Some cancers—like ovarian, liver, or pancreatic—lack effective screening methods, and diagnoses often occur only at advanced stages. This, coupled with many patients going abroad for treatment, shows the urgent need for complementary services in Bangladesh.
The increasing cancer trend not only harms individual health and well-being but also imposes a major financial burden on society and the government. Early detection and appropriate treatment planning are crucial, as they help in choosing treatment options, reducing mental stress, and minimizing financial hardship.
Successful cancer treatment requires access to radiation therapy, trained oncologists, medical physicists, and technologists for early diagnosis and effective care. Public awareness campaigns should emphasize physical activity, a healthy lifestyle, and proper nutrition. There is currently no centralized center for providing cancer-related information, guidance, and consultation for doctors and patients. Cancer care services vary widely across institutions due to the lack of a coordinated national strategy, forcing patients to seek help in multiple locations.
To fight cancer effectively, scientists, doctors, and patients must first understand its root causes to decide on the most effective treatment. This is crucial because cancer has a profound negative impact on society, especially on vulnerable populations like ours.
Bangladesh urgently needs to establish diagnostic capabilities nationwide: training staff, ensuring stable lab capacity, and integrating conventional and molecular technology. Most areas lack these facilities. Furthermore, political and social instability, and inadequate infrastructure for analyzing complex cancer diagnostics, keep Bangladesh behind in this regard.
A smartphone-based app using wireless technology could simplify access to affordable cancer screening and care. The Center for Cancer Care Foundation, along with several organizations, is working on developing such an app, which is expected to be publicly available soon.
Cancer is a complex disease, but it is not necessarily a death sentence. Every healthy person should undergo regular check-ups so that if cancer starts to develop, it can be detected early and treated effectively. Most cancer treatments require time, and modern therapies are often expensive and out of reach for the poor, with significant side effects. However, 40% of cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes, making prevention better than cure.
Preventive strategies to reduce cancer incidence include reducing tobacco use, improving dietary habits and reducing food adulteration, ensuring reproductive health hygiene, increasing physical activity, and lowering occupational risks. It is essential to raise awareness through campaigns involving the general public, community leaders, and scouts. The Bureau of Health Education should run special cancer awareness campaigns annually.
But are these strategies truly accessible and understandable for the poor and middle-income people of our country? Many avoid treatment due to confusion or lack of awareness, allowing conditions to worsen. Policymakers must act now to implement nationwide strategies for early detection and proper diagnosis. Volunteer networks can be formed for cancer counseling, and integrated training programs are crucial to support this.
While this article outlines many challenges related to cancer, it also presents potential solutions. We must focus on prevention and adopt healthier diets and lifestyles.