International Childhood Cancer Day observed. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Feb 16, 2025 (BSS) - International Childhood Cancer Day was observed at BSMMU today amid various programs, including a rally and discussion.

Speakers at a scientific session said that over 500 cancer-affected children, who received treatment at BSMMU, the country's premier postgraduate medical institution, are now leading normal lives.

They said children can also get infected with cancer, and it is no longer an uncommon disease. However, early detection and proper treatment through Bangladesh's existing medical system can significantly improve survival rates, according to a press release.

The speakers, citing the World Health Organization (WHO), said nearly 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Additionally, a research report titled "Childhood Cancer: A Situation Analysis and Challenge, Bangladesh Perspective" revealed that approximately 9,000 to 12,000 children in Bangladesh are diagnosed with cancer annually, they said.

On this occasion, BSMMU Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md Abul Kalam Azad, VC (Research and Development) Professor Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Chairman of the Department of Child Hematology and Oncology Dr. Md Anwarul Karim, Professor Dr. ATM Atiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Department of Child Neurology Dr. Kaniz Fatema, Professor Dr. Gopen Kumar Kundu, Director (Hospital) Brigadier General Abu Noman M. Mosleh Uddin, Assistant Professor Dr. Chowdhury Shamsul Haque Kibria, Assistant Professor Dr. Momena Begum, along with teachers, students, cancer-affected children, and their parents, were present.

Earlier, they brought out a procession at the BSMMU.