BD women’s fight against breast cancer

Tasnuba Akhter Rifa :

Breast cancer cases in Bangladesh are rising alarmingly, increasing burden on women, families, and the healthcare system, say experts.

Public health experts say early detection and awareness campaigns are now more crucial than ever.

For thousands of women and their families, breast cancer is a fight against both the disease and financial hardship.

Public health campaigners urged the government to introduce nationwide cancer screening programmes to reduce preventable deaths, particularly from breast cancer.

They also stressed on the need to lower the cost of breast cancer screening and treatment.

Sources said, population-based cancer registry established by Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) reveals concerning trends of breast cancer in both urban and rural areas.

Data from Hossainpur Upazila in Kishoreganj indicate 53 new cancer cases per 100,000 people annually, with a crude prevalence of 106 per 100,000.

Among female patients, breast cancer accounts for 36.4 per cent of all cancers, making it the most common malignancy in women, followed by cervical, thyroid, and ovarian cancers.

When contacted, Professor Dr. Sarwar Alam, Professor, Department of Oncology of BMU told The New Nation on Monday, “According to the latest data of 2022, provided by the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH), breast cancer has emerged as the most prevalent form of cancer among all types diagnosed.”

He said breast screening tests are provided at all government medical colleges, specialised institutions, and district-level hospitals, as facilitated by government initiatives.

“The Breast Cancer Awareness Programme is conducted year-round by both governmental entities and healthcare professionals.

The experts primarily focus on raising awareness by providing verbal guidance to patients concerning breast cancer.

Institutions such as the NICHR organise awareness initiatives across various sectors, particularly those with a significant female demographic, including the RGM sector, educational institutions such as schools and universities, as well as corporate environments,” Prof. Dr. SarwarAlam added.

Contacted, Dr. Sadia Sharmin, Associate Professor, Oncology of BMU told The New Nation that, “The risk factors include family history of breast or ovarian cancer, early menarche, late menopause, older age at first childbirth, fewer children, not breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy is major camases of the disease.”

She said prolonged contraceptive use, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, food habits, and BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations also behind the disease.

“Women are often diagnosed at late stages when treatment options are limited, expensive, and difficult to access due to a fragmented healthcare system. In these cases, the survival rate decreases.” Dr Sadia Sharmin added.

Experts said women who marry and have children before the age of 30 may experience a decreased risk of breast cancer.

This risk reduction is believed to result from hormonal changes that occur during this period, which provide protective benefits against breast cancer.

From 2018 to 2022, cancer cases rose by 11 per cent, while cancer-related deaths increased by 8 per cent, signalling an urgent public health challenge.

According to international estimates, around 13,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and approximately 6,000 die from the disease.

The economic burden is severe for these patients. Treatment for advanced-stage breast cancer can cost Tk 3-6 lakh or more than that, pushing families to sell assets or take loans.

On a recent campaign, experts and public health campaigners suggested the Gonoshasthaya Community-Based Cancer Hospital in Dhanmondi, where low-cost surgeries and chemotherapy are available, and extremely poor patients can access surgery for just Tk 5,000, demonstrating how targeted interventions can alleviate financial pressure.

On November 8, the Fourth Community-Based Cancer Conference will be held in Dhaka, with online registration available for Tk 500, 700, and 1,000.

According to experts, women with a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to conduct regular self-breast examinations, as this practice is both cost-effective and accessible.

If any lumps or unusual changes are discovered during these examinations, it is essential to seek further evaluation through breast screening to ensure proper diagnosis and care.

Health facilities provide consulting and awareness for the family members of breast cancer patients to help them understand their higher risk of getting diagnosed.

While countries like the US and UK maintain comprehensive screening programmes and advanced radiology facilities, enabling early detection and over 90 per cent five-year survival rates, Bangladesh faces a harshly different reality.