150,000 Bangladeshis diagnosed with cancer every year

There are around 1.5 million cancer patients now in Bangladesh with 150,000 people being affected by the disease every year, according to international cancer research centre Globocan.

The information was revealed at a discussion on cancer awareness at Monipur School and College in the city's Mirpur area.

Citing the Globocan report, founder of Cancer Awareness Foundation physician Md Masumul Haq said some 91,339 people die in the country annually due to cancer.

He said the number of cancer deaths in Bangladesh will double by 2030 with low- and middle-class people being the worst sufferers.

Avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of cancer by 33 per cent alone, Masumul said.

Three types of cancer are affecting males -- lung, oral and colon -- whereas females are victims of breast, uterus and oral cancers.

In his speech as the chief guest, state minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder said the government has taken an initiative to establish a 100-bed cancer centre in each of eight divisions spending Tk 1.6 billion.

He also blamed ignorance for various diseases that affect people. "Everyone, especially students, should be aware of a healthy lifestyle, including food habit, to get rid of these diseases," he added.

Monipur School and College principal Farhad Hossain presided over the event.