Breast and cervical cancer are the most common forms of cancer among females in Bangladesh, so our Club was pleased to support a breast and cervical cancer screening programme led by the Rotary Club of Dhaka.
Since the 1970s the Rotary Club of Dhaka, located in the capital of Bangladesh, has been organising programmes to help combat cancer – including prevention (through awareness and motivation) and early detection (through screening and testing). For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic the Club, with the help of international partners (including us), set up a COVID-19 testing lab to facilitate the treatment of cancer patients.
Building on its 50 years of experience in combating cancer, the Dhaka Club is poised to undertake a bigger role for prevention and early detection of cancer through its ‘Vision 2037’ programme (2037 being when the Club celebrates its centennial year).
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, over 50 million Bangladeshi women are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Breast and cervical cancer are the most common forms of cancer among females in Bangladesh, with the highest cancer-related deaths mostly among the low-income rural population – due to lack of awareness, late detection and inadequate facilities for management. The Dhaka Club has therefore set out its ambitious plans, which include eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, through an extensive awareness and screening programme and screening camps. The project includes the operation of a number of mobile units in different areas around the country.
The cost of screening is estimated to be around £3 per person – less that a high street cup of coffee in the UK. Given our past support for the Dhaka Club and its successful implementation of projects (including ones that we have backed), our International Committee was keen to support this project, recently donating £550 to the cause.
One member of the Committee was so inspired by our donation that she set up her own crowdfunder to raise funds for the project. She has already met her modest £300 target and has raised over £1,000. If you would like to support the project you can visit the GoFundMe page here.
Picture: A couple of pictures from recent screening camps. Picture credit: Rotary Club of Dhaka (reproduced with permission; faces disguised for privacy).
