GNH marks World Cancer Day, honours 10 media professionals

Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital (GNH) observed World Cancer Day on Wednesday with a high-level discussion meeting focused on reviewing the current cancer landscape and identifying strategic ways to overcome the crisis.

To mark the day, the organisation also presented mementos of gratitude to 10 media professionals for their relentless contribution to health journalism and cancer awareness.

The Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum organised the event with the assistance of Gonoshasthaya Community-based Cancer Hospital around 3pm at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital’s Dhanmondi.

The media personalities who received the tokens of appreciation are – Mohammad Al Amin, deputy editor, Daily Sun; Pratik Ezaz, joint editor, Samajkal; Pallab Mohaimen, coordinator, Projukti Sangbad, Prothom Alo; Beauty Akhter, feature in-charge, Amar Desh; Suraiya Munni, senior reporter, Mohona TV; Taposi Rabeya Ankhi, senior reporter, Desh Rupantor; Shimul Mahmud Nayeem, staff reporter, Kaler Kantho; Jannatul Ferdous Panna, editor, Shaptahik Pongkti; Bishakha Devnath, business editor, The Financial Express; and Md Azadul Islam (Adnan), staff reporter, Dainik Amar Desh.

Dr Md Habibullah Talukdar, founder and chief coordinator of the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum and coordinator of the Gonoshasthaya Community-based Cancer Hospital project, presided over the meeting.

In his opening remarks, Dr Habibullah Talukdar said that each cancer patient’s experience is unique – their pain, empathy, and stories differ. “We must unite these diverse experiences to fight cancer effectively.”

He noted that, according to the latest data from international organisations, approximately 167,000 people are newly diagnosed with cancer in Bangladesh every year, while around 116,000 patients die from the disease annually. 

“We lack the capacity to treat such a large number of patients. There are only about 30 cancer treatment centres – public and private – in the country, and not all of them offer complete treatment facilities,” Dr Habibullah added.