Fighting breast cancer

Breast cancer is curable if diagnosed at an early stage and can be easily detected by routine examinations. Yet, some 12,764 women are detected with breast cancer in Bangladesh every year, and 6,844 of them die of the disease, according to a report of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This is because of a lack of awareness and stigma related to diseases associated with women. Women are often unaware of the need for regular examinations, and hesitant to get themselves examined.

Given the high prevalence of the disease, it is imperative that women are informed of breast cancer and prevention methods. Hospitals should collect data on the disease and the successes of treatments, which should be utilised in campaigns to raise awareness. Women should be encouraged to examine themselves whenever they detect any changes in their bodies. There is an urgent need to destigmatise breast cancer because it has already risked the lives of many women. All the relevant authorities and medical practitioners must come together to limit the spread and prevalence of breast cancer. An early diagnosis and effective treatment will also lift the burden on the medical system that is already under considerable strain due to several diseases.

Fariha Tabassum Piya,

Student of Department of Management,

University of Dhaka, Dhaka,

[email protected]