SHARE Bangladesh - Café Scientifique on Breast Cancer Prevention
Discussion details
Dr. Sohana Shafique
Breast cancer is an emerging non communicable disease in current country context of Bangladesh. National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital report (2014) suggests that, breast cancer is the second most common cancer in Bangladesh while among women it is the most common carcinoma. According to the World Health Organization, there are around 14,900 annual case detection of breast cancer in Bangladesh and (International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) demonstrates that about 7,135 women die every year from breast cancer. Despite the increasing burden of breast cancer, general people are not aware of the cause. Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding is still needed. Considering this, European Union supported ‘SHARE’ (Strengthening Health, Applying Research Evidence) project of icddr,b organized it’s second ‘Café Scientifique’ in collaboration with Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum entitled, ‘Breast Cancer Scenario: Prevention and Awareness’ at Teachers and Students Centre (TSC) Cafeteria at the University of Dhaka on 13 October, 2017.
Dr. Iqbal Anwar, Scientist and Project Director of icddr,b gave welcome remarks in Cafe Scientifique explaining the importance of public awareness regarding the issue. Professor Habibullah Talukder Ruskin, Head of Cancer Epidemiology, National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital moderated the Café Scientifique. He mentioned that the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and hereditary factors increased the odds of developing breast cancer. Women who started having menstruation earlier or entered menopause later than usual due to oestrogen exposure are also likely to harbour breast cancer. Other factors associated with breast cancer include post-menopausal obesity, overweight, unhealthy food habits, alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activities are also some causes. Besides, women who do not have any child and who marry after 30 remain at risk, while avoiding breastfeeding is another reason. He emphasized on lifestyle modification including promoting breastfeeding to prevent breast cancer as well as regular self-examination and consulting with a doctor at an early stage for better minimizing cancer progression. Prof. Talukder highlighted significance of screening, early detection and available treatment options in his key note speech and a lively question-answer session.
Dr. Mushtuq Husain, Ex-Principal Scientific Officer of Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dr. Fariha Haseen, Assistant Professor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Prof. Mainul Islam of University of Dhaka talked about awareness on breast cancer and mass campaign issues. Researchers from icddr,b, teachers, students of Dhaka University and BSMMU, mass media representatives and different professional groups participated in the Cafe Scientifique. A large turnout in this event, which was organized in the weekend showed commitment of the health professionals to work on this cause as well as interest in the topic among the participants.
On 10 October, 2017, three days before the Café Scientifique, SHARE project of icddr,b along with the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital observed the Breast Cancer Awareness Day by organizing a rally. Both the Café Scientifique and the rally were attended by common people and a large portion of them were women of reproductive age.
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