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Cancer is spreading at an alarming rate worldwide; the scenario is almost the same for Bangladesh as well.
A large number of people in our country are cancer patients, and this number is increasing rapidly day by day. This is a burden and alarming issue in the public health sector. Cancer is a leading cause of death in Bangladesh.
Cancer is emotionally draining and, for many, financially destructive. The overwhelming treatment cost, limitations in clinical diagnostics and treatment, lack of communication between doctor and patient, relatively low confidence in native doctors, confusion on divergent medical opinions, and shortage of trained oncologists and treatment facilities—all together create an urge to establish an effective cancer management system in Bangladesh.
Which types of cancers are prevalent?
Breast cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer are more prevalent cancers in Bangladesh.
| Name of Cancer | Beyond the Main Causes: Additional Factors Driving Cancer Rates |
| Breast cancer | Lifestyle changes, delayed pregnancies, inadequate screening facilities, and a lack of social awareness are leading to breast cancer. |
| Lung cancer | Air pollution is severe in our country. Smoking and air pollution are the two major causes of lung cancer. |
| Cervical cancer | The lack of screening, early marriages, early initiation of sexual activities, sexually transmitted diseases, and low socio-economic conditions are responsible for the prevalence of cervical cancer. |
| Liver cancer | Hepatitis B and C infection incidents are high in our country, leading to liver cancer. |
| Colorectal cancer | Unhealthy diet and lifestyle changes are provoking colorectal cancer. |
Why is the cancer scenario worsening?
Age
Age is always a risk factor for cancer. The life expectancy of Bangladeshi people has increased, and elderly people are developing different types of cancer.
Lifestyle
Due to urbanization, we are advancing, but at the same time, people are becoming habituated to an unhealthy lifestyle, which is alarming. Apart from these, people are engaging in less physical activity.
Diet
Unhealthy diet is another cause of cancer incidents in Bangladesh. Processed food, fast food, low fiber, and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake increase the risk of cancer.
Smoking
The smoking rate is high in Bangladesh. Widespread use of tobacco is a vital cause of various cancers.
Pollution
Air pollution is alarming in our country, especially in Dhaka city. Other pollution is also prevalent and acts as a risk factor for cancer.
Lack of health facilities
In Bangladesh, cancer diagnostic tools are costly and they can take an agonizing amount of time to get the results of the reliable diagnostic back. Still worse, when it comes to some forms of cancer, such as ovarian, liver, or pancreatic cancer, good screening methods simply don't exist.
Lack of awareness
People in our country are not properly informed about cancer-related information. We are lagging to raise awareness and educate people about cancer.
