Seventy percent cancer can be prevented by creating mass awareness. The government has already approved a Cancer Control Plan which needs a large amount of money for materialisation.

Amstardam University Emiratus Professor Dr. A.B.M.F.Karim said this while addressing as the Chief Guest a Seminar and Feelings and Expressions of Cancer Survivors organised by Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital (AMCH) at Dhanmondi Mission Bhaban auditorium to mark the World Cancer Survivors’ Day-2009 on Sunday, 7 June, 2009.

He further said that cancer is not a deadly disease rather, it can be cured fully. He stressed on creating an awareness about the disease. He also underscored the need for shunning smoking, changing the food habit by avoiding rich food and fats as well as doing regular physical exercise. He emphasised on formation of a Federation of Anti-Cancer Activists (FACA) consisting of all the organisations working with a common goal.

In his presidential address, Dhaka Ahsania Mission President Kazi Rafiqul Alam said efforts are going on to create awareness about cancer at the grasroots level and reaching healthcare service to the doorsteps of the needy. If detected early, 70 per cent cancer can be cured, he reminded the audience. DAM president lauded the cancer survivors who he said had created a new sence of hope among all of us. He urged the journalists to play their due role so that males can shun gender sensitivity therby helping women patients recover early from the disease. He declared that Dhaka Ahania Mission will take initiatives to undertake awareness programmes in Dhaka University female halls and organising games and sports programme for cancer survivors.

This year’s slogan of the day was “A Celebration of Life.” Cancer survivors expressed their touchy feelings at the function.

Speaking as the Special Guest, National Profesor Dr. M.R. Khan said there is a difference between cancer of children and elderly people. Children’s cancer can be cured easily. Every year about 5 to 6 thousand children suffer from cancer. If necessary fund and medicine can be managed, about 70 per cent child patients may be cured, he said.

Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Cancer Specialist of Ahsania Mission Cancer Detection Centre and Hospital in Mirpur, Dhaka, presented a special paper at the seminar. The Director of the Hospital, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr Syed Fazle Rahim, also addressed on the occasion.