Dhaka: Experts at a programme in Dhaka on Tuesday said that one of every eight women is at the risk of breast cancer in Bangladesh as breast cancer stands second in the list of cancer diseases.

They said cancer is not only a disease in the West now, but it is taking a heavy toll in Bangladesh as about 22,000 women are being affected by breast cancer here each year and 17,000 of them die.

Addressing the inaugural session of the month-long Breast Cancer Awareness programme at Ahsania Mission Cancer & General Hospital, State Minister for Children and Women Meher Afroz Chumki said women are still incapable to meet their personal needs as financial authority is still in the hands of male members of family.  

That’s why they cannot come forward to take treatment with their own initiatives, she said, adding that women empowerment, education and over all emancipation are necessary.

Lawmaker Shahara Khatun said a woman can check breast cancer from the age of 20 by herself strategy. So, it is preventable if one becomes aware about the disease.

Dhaka Ahsania Mission President Kazi Rafiqul Alam, Managing Direct of Ahsania Mission Cancer & General Hospital Brig. Gen. (retd) Fazle Rahim and Oncology and Departmental Head Prof Dr AMM Shariful Alam, among others, spoke on the occasion.