AWARNESS MEETING ABOUT CANCER

On July 1, 2024, a cancer awareness meeting was held at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, organized by Social Action, Health & Humanities Research Assocation “SAHRA”. Many of patients, medical staffs and others people were present there. The Treasurer of SAHRA Md. Shoriful Islam Sayed shared some recent scary information about cancer there and gave quite a few pointers on how we can be more aware to protect ourselves from it.

Key pillars of cancer awareness Understanding cancer care requires a comprehensive focus on behavioral habits, early detection methods, and overcoming deep-seated social barriers.

Preventable risk factors:
* Tobacco consumption: Tobacco use remains the leading globally preventable cause of cancer.
* Obesity and diet: Poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and obesity dramatically increase metabolic vulnerability.
* Environmental toxins: Long-term chemical exposure, radiation, and occupational hazards damage cellular DNA over time.
* Chronic infections: Biological pathogens like Hepatitis B/C and Human Papillomavirus link directly to specific cancers.

Early detection and screening:
* Routine checkups: Periodic medical diagnostics help trace pre-cancerous cells long before physical symptoms surface.
* Targeted tests: Interventions such as Pap smears, mammographies, and colonoscopies significantly reduce mortality.
* Symptom identification: Spotting lingering warning alerts—like unexplainable weight loss or changing skin moles—promotes prompt intervention.

Common screening recommendations:
* Breast cancer: Women over 35 should perform monthly self-exams and get a mammography every 5 years.
* Cervical cancer: Regular Pap smear diagnostic testing is recommended every 2 to 5 years starting at age 35.
* Prostate cancer: Men should receive Prostatic Specific Antigen tests every 5 years starting around age 45.
* Colorectal cancer: Stool testing for occult blood and physical rectal exams should be prioritized every 2 to 5 years.

Overcoming behavioral barriers:
* Stigma mitigation: Dismantling community taboos encourages open dialogues about personal reproductive and physical symptoms.
* Proactive behavior: Shifting societal habits from waiting for symptoms to scheduling proactive medical checkups maximizes treatment success.
* Financial equity: Expanding public institutional support protects families from long-term economic burdens related to oncology care