Dhaka: Speakers in a series of programmes today called for coordinated efforts involving hospitals, medical colleges, physicians, educational institutions, media, and social organisations to raise awareness, ensure early detection, and provide timely treatment to combat childhood cancer. They made the call at a rally, human chain, and press briefing organized by the Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Society of Bangladesh (PHOSB), marking the National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2026, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the PHOSB brought out a rally on Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) campus and organized the human chain and press briefing at the National Press Club aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer, with the slogan 'No fear, awareness; no delay, timely treatment'. BMU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Md Nazrul Islam inaugurated the programmes as the chief guest this morning.
PHOSB President Professor Dr. Afiqul Islam chaired the inaugural session while its General Secretary Associate Professor Dr. Chowdhury Samsul Hoque Kibria moderated it. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr. Md Nazrul Islam called for greater public awareness about childhood cancer. Professor Dr. Afiqul Islam highlighted that cancer is not only a disease of adults and emphasized that children can also be affected. He noted that initiatives to raise public awareness about childhood cancer began in the United States in 1990, and in 2010, September was officially declared Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr. Afiqul Islam stated the objectives of observing the month, which include increasing public understanding of childhood cancer, promoting early detection, expanding access to treatment, encouraging research, and providing support to affected children and their families. Dr. Chowdhury Shamsul Haque Kibria stressed the need for a coordinated approach to tackling childhood cancer, highlighting the importance of public awareness, early detection, and timely treatment.
Other speakers urged parents to seek medical advice without delay if children experience prolonged or recurrent symptoms such as fever, unusual paleness, unexplained bruising, or other warning signs. They pointed out that Bangladesh still lacks a comprehensive national childhood cancer registry, making it difficult to determine the exact number of affected children. Various studies and estimates suggest that thousands of children are diagnosed with cancer annually, but many cases go undetected or untreated.
The speakers identified challenges such as delayed diagnosis, high treatment costs, and limited access to treatment centers. They called for establishing a nationwide childhood cancer registration system, expanding treatment facilities, and ensuring affordable, quality treatment for every child.