53 new cancer cases are detected in Bangladesh per 100,000 annually

Every year, Bangladesh records 53 new cancer cases per 100,000 people, with the disease responsible for 12% of total deaths nationwide.

Every year, Bangladesh records 53 new cancer cases per 100,000 people, with the disease responsible for 12% of total deaths nationwide.

Among cancer-related deaths, lung, tracheal, and stomach cancers are the most common. The most prevalent cancer cases among patients are lung, liver, and tracheal cancers.

On Saturday, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) released findings from a large-scale study on Bangladesh’s cancer landscape.

The results were presented at a conference held at the Super Specialized Hospital’s conference room, titled "The Burden of Cancer in Bangladesh: Population-Based Cancer Registry."

Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser, attended as the chief guest.

Dr Md Sayedur Rahman underscored the importance of research in generating new knowledge. He urged BSMMU to prioritize research with direct patient benefits and assured continued government support for impactful studies.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Shahinul Alam emphasized that funding would not be a constraint for research that meets public expectations. He noted that the cancer registry findings would aid in cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Bangladesh. Data from the registry will be instrumental in shaping future strategies for cancer management.

Lead researcher Dr Md Khalekuzzaman, associate professor of the Public Health and Informatics Department, highlighted that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Previously, the absence of a Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) in Bangladesh meant reliance on data from neighboring countries. This study aimed to bridge that gap by establishing a national cancer registry.

The research began in July 2023 in Hossainpur Upazila, Kishoreganj, utilizing an internet-based cancer registration system through household interviews. A follow-up survey commenced in July 2024.

Analyzing data from 200,000 people, the study identified 38 types of cancer, with an incidence rate of 106 cases per 100,000 people. Among patients, 93% were between 18 and 75 years old, 2.4% were children, and 5.1% were over 75.

The five most prevalent cancers in Bangladesh are breast, oral, stomach, tracheal, and cervical cancer. Among men, the leading cancers are tracheal, stomach, lung, oral, and esophageal cancers, while among women, the most common are breast, cervical, oral, thyroid, and ovarian cancers. Tobacco use was linked to 46% of cancer cases. Additionally, 60% of patients received combined treatment, while 7.4% remained untreated.

During the conference, recommendations were made to sustain the cancer registry, ensure necessary support for its continuation, and encourage researchers to utilize its data for future studies. The study was funded by NCDC, DGHS, and BSMMU.