Photo: TDM
Cancer specialists and researchers have raised concerns over the low aptitude of cancer treatment in Bangladesh, attributing it to a shortage of manpower, insufficient number of oncologists, and a lack of necessary equipment. This alarming situation was discussed during a round table meeting jointly organized by the Bangladesh Cancer Study Group and Bangladesh Health Reporters Forum at a hotel in the capital.
In the meeting the experts stressed about a recent survey conducted by Globocan in 2019-2020, where it stated that the number of medical professionals specialized in cancer treatment in Bangladesh is considerably low. The survey revealed that there are only 203 radiation oncologists, 30 medical oncologists, 30 chest surgeons, 501 radiologists, 100 nuclear medicine specialists, and 331 medical physicists nationwide. These figures are significantly inadequate compared to the large number of cancer patients in the country.
Health experts at the meeting emphasized the disparities in cancer treatment and health across different segments of society. Despite efforts to decentralize cancer services in Bangladesh, both cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to rise. Of concern is the fact that rural areas experience higher mortality rates among overall cancer patients, exacerbating the existing disparities in cancer-related mortality between urban and rural populations.
The experts identified structural barriers and systemic disparities as persistent obstacles that hinder access to quality healthcare, particularly for those living in poverty-stricken or rural areas. They also stressed that the shortage of healthcare professionals and resources contributes to economic losses, with an estimated 500,000 people in Bangladesh falling below the poverty line each year due to the high cost of cancer treatment. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened this disparity.
Dr. Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, a Research Fellow from the Bangladesh Cancer Study Group, delivered a keynote presentation during the program. He expressed concern over the insufficient funding allocated to cancer research, stating that the nominal allotment received from the Cancer Research Institute last year was inadequate for meaningful research. Dr. Islam highlighted the economic impact of cancer health disparities and stated that the country's allocation for cancer research was irregular and insufficient.
During his speech, Associate Professor Dr. Zahirul Islam Nadeem from the Epidemiology Department of the National Cancer Research Institute Hospital emphasized that early detection of cancer can lead to successful treatment. However, he pointed out that patients often do not seek medical attention when they first notice cancer symptoms. Instead, they resort to self-medication or seek alternative treatments such as homeopathy. By the time they consult oncologists, the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging.
Dr. Nadeem emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the public about the early signs of cancer and the necessity of seeking professional medical care. He also highlighted the economic challenges faced by patients, which further compound the problem.
In Bangladesh, approximately 450,000 people succumb to cancer each year, a significantly higher number than the reported 30,000 deaths due to the widely discussed coronavirus infection. Despite this disparity, there remains a lack of awareness among the general population regarding the severity of cancer. Furthermore, oncologists argue that the government has not given due importance to combating this deadly disease at the national level.
In light of these challenges, oncologists and experts are urging regular allocations and increased importance to cancer research within the sector.
TDM/SD
