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The Department of Social Relations, East West University observed ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2022’, through organizing a Seminar on October 30, 2022. This year’s the theme of the month was, ‘Together we rise’, highlighting the importance of supportive care and environment for those who are fighting with this fatal disease. Faculty member of Department of Social Relations and students of different courses and departments were present in the seminar and participated with enthusiasm.

October month is observed throughout the world to create awareness on breast cancer, which is one of the leading causes of cancer related death. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and most common cancer in women. In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally.  As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.  Recent data from the cancer registry of the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital in Dhaka showed that the breast cancer rate gradually increasing in the country.

Professor Dr. Md. Mobarak Hossain Khan, Chairperson, Department of Social Relations, East West University chaired the seminar and gave introductory speech. Dr. Marzia Zaman Sultana, Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Relations, East West University was the speaker of the seminar. The program chair mentioned about the breast cancer prevalence around the world including our country, common risk factors associated with breast cancer development and the importance of creating awareness in the community to prevent this dangerous public health problem. He also stressed about the financial burden of breast cancer treatment and highlighted the importance of health insurance as a solution.

 The speaker Dr. Marzia talked about the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of breast cancer, male breast cancer risks, signs and symptoms, self-breast examination for early diagnosis, preventive measures, mammography and other diagnostic investigation and available treatment options for breast cancer. With early diagnosis 5 years survival rate of breast cancer is near 90%, but later diagnosis increases the mortality rate. Although the incidence of breast cancer is higher in developed countries, but mortality rate is higher in developing countries like ours due to lack of awareness, lack of preventive measures, lack of early diagnosis and proper treatment. So, creating awareness is key to prevention and to reduce disease occurrence and death rate. Family, financial and community support is also needed to fight the battle of breast cancer together.