Breaking the Silence over Breast Cancer

A program for Breast Cancer Awareness was organized on October 30, 2024, with a collaboration between the Brac University Response Team (BURT), Labaid Cancer Hospital, and the Super Speciality Center. Notable guest speakers addressed the primary objectives of the seminar. Prof. Dr. Md. Ehteshamul Hoque, Senior Consultant at Radiation & Clinical Oncology, followed by Dr. Ali Nafisa, consultant at Labaid Breast Centre. The program was arranged in the light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to discuss the progression of the disease amongst Bangladeshi women.

Prof. Dr. Md. Ehteshamul Hoque established different cancer types, detection processes, and early signs. Some of these included the formation of a lump or mass in any part of the body, changes in bowel movements, development of a husky/hoarse voice, and sudden weight loss. He remarked that consulting a doctor is necessary if these signs are detected. Dr. Ali Nafisa continued the session by introducing the specific risk factors of breast cancer, the procedure of detection and treatment. The program concluded with a breast self-examination for all the participants, which was free.

One of the participants shared personal experiences of losing loved ones to breast cancer. Her insightful speech added empathy to the awareness program. During his introductory remarks, Prof. Dr. Md. Ehteshamul Hoque conveyed a vital message using statistics – “ Around 1,60,000 cancer patients register every year while it is estimated to be more due to lack of awareness. If diagnosis and treatment happen promptly, the survivability level increases ”. This compels the urgency to draw more attention to this community issue. Rubaba Hafiz Shoshi (Sophomore, School of Pharmacy), also the program’s graceful host, believes that this program fostered a powerful impact amongst the community by promoting awareness and encouraging early detection of breast cancer.