Health experts have expressed deep concern over the rising incidence of cancer in Bangladesh and other developing countries, attributing the alarming increase to unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, food adulteration, and air pollution.

Without changes in diet and lifestyle, cancer prevention will remain difficult, they said.

The health experts came up with the observation at the two-day Bangladesh International Cancer Congress 2025 organised by Oncology Club Bangladesh at a city hotel on Thursday, said a press release

Speakers said around 250,000 new cancer cases are reported in Bangladesh each year, and both food adulteration and air pollution have emerged as major contributors to the country’s growing cancer burden.

This year’s congress has drawn participation from over 1,200 oncologists, cancer professionals, and researchers, including 31 renowned experts from 16 countries.

Professor Dr MA Hai, President of the Oncology Club Bangladesh and the Bangladesh International Cancer Congress, said that the growing number of cancer patients in developing nations like Bangladesh is deeply alarming.

“A large portion of our population remains outside the reach of proper cancer treatment. The Club’s mission is to build skilled professionals and ensure quality healthcare to modernize cancer treatment in Bangladesh,” he said.

Dr Hai said, “To win the fight against cancer and bring smiles back to patients and their families, we must work together,” he said.

He also praised the government’s initiative to establish cancer units in every district and urged young physicians to step forward in cancer care.

The academic partners of this year’s congress include University of Bologna (Italy), SingHealth (Singapore), and the Global Health Catalyst. Participants also include experts and researchers from Royal Modern Hospital (UK), St. Bartholomew’s Hospital (UK), KHCC Education and Training Academy, Whipps Cross University Hospital, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (USA), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and University of Pennsylvania, among others.

Under the leadership of Professor Dr. MA Hai, President and Dr. AMM Shariful Alam, General Secretary of Oncology Club Bangladesh, the country’s leading oncologists, scientists, and researchers are contributing to various academic sessions throughout the congress.