Cancer curable thru early detection

Early detection and immediate treatment of cancer can save many lives from the deadly disease, doctors said at a press conference in the capital yesterday.

If people see symptoms of cancer at any part of their body, they must undergo immediate screening and treatment to prevent its spread, they said.

The disease gradually affects and damages every part of the body. Therefore, a comprehensive treatment is needed for cancer patients, they added.

United Hospital organised the conference on its premises on the eve of World Cancer Day, which is observed on February 4, to create awareness.

On the occasion, the hospital authorities reduced the cost of PET-CT scan, one of the most reliable cancer detection techniques, to Tk 50,000 from Tk 70,000. The discount will be available throughout the entire month of February.

Besides, the authorities, one of the leading cancer treatment providers in the country, will also continue their ongoing 20 to 50 percent discounts on other cancer tests and treatments for insolvent patients.

At the conference, Dr Ashim Kumar Sengupta, a cancer specialist at the hospital, said people hesitate to make disclosure about their cancer symptoms whereas early detection can save them.

“Such mentality should be changed. People should get tests done if they notice any symptom,” he added.

Dr Rashid Un Nabi, another cancer specialist at the hospital, said many health facilities in the country have modern treatment facilities for cancer but those will not bring any benefit if people do not utilise them.

Job security for cancer patients must be ensured while at the same time the work environment should be made healthy and safe for them, he added.

United Hospital Oncology Consultant Dr Saumen Basu, Nuclear Medicine Consultant Dr MA Wahab, and its Business Development Chief Dr Shagufa Anwar, television drama director Chayanika Chowdhury and Shornokishore Network Foundation Founder Farzana Brownia also spoke.

To prevent cancer, the hospital authorities in the last week launched a blog named “Ashar Thikanaa” (http://asharthikanaa.blogspot.com) where people will get details about different types of cancer and answers to their queries.