Speakers on Saturday called for coordinated efforts involving hospitals, medical colleges, physicians, educational institutions, the media and social organisations to raise awareness, ensure early detection and provide timely treatment for childhood cancer.
They made the call at a rally, human chain and press briefing organised by the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Society of Bangladesh (PHOSB), said a press release.
PHOSB brought out a rally on the Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) campus and organised a human chain and press briefing at the National Press Club to raise awareness about childhood cancer, under the slogan, “No fear, awareness; no delay, timely treatment”.
The organisers said childhood cancer is a significant public health issue in Bangladesh. However, many children can recover if the disease is detected early and proper treatment is started in time.
They said many children fail to receive timely treatment due to a lack of awareness, delays in diagnosis and various barriers to accessing medical care.
PHOSB’s awareness campaign urged parents and caregivers not to ignore symptoms such as prolonged fever or cough, unusual paleness, unexplained bruising or bleeding, bone pain, extreme weakness or sudden changes in behaviour, and to seek medical advice promptly.
However, the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a child has cancer, as they can also be caused by other illnesses or health conditions. The organisation therefore stressed the importance of consulting a doctor and undergoing the necessary tests to determine the actual cause.
Dr Shamsul Haque Kibria, a PHOSB coordinator, said combating childhood cancer requires not only medical treatment but also greater public awareness, early detection and timely access to healthcare.
He said hospitals, medical colleges, physicians’ associations, businesses, the media and social organisations could work together to dispel misconceptions and reduce unnecessary fears about childhood cancer, as well as minimise delays in seeking treatment.