Aamra Nari promotes breast cancer awareness at Pran-RFL

Non-profit organisation Aamra Nari, in collaboration with Pran-RFL Group, organised a Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar on Thursday (7 November) to educate Pran-RFL Group's female employees about breast cancer risks, early detection, and prevention.

The event, hosted at the Pran Center in Dhaka's Middle Badda, highlighted the importance of regular screenings and self-examinations, reads a press release.

Key representatives from Pran-RFL Group were present, including Uzma Chowdhury, director of corporate finance, Nurul Afsar, deputy general manager and head of corporate brand, and Dr Lopa from Sun Health Care.

Notable attendees also included Md Sayedul Islam, former secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and former chairman of Karmasangsthan Bank, Rahima Begum, additional secretary of the Finance Division, and Sabiha Parvin, retired additional secretary.

The seminar's keynote speaker, Dr Umme Humaira Kaneta, a breast cancer specialist and MS resident in Surgical Oncology at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, delivered an informative presentation on breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Dr Humaira shared alarming statistics from the World Health Organization, stating that over 15,000 women in Bangladesh are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, with nearly 7,500 deaths each year.

She noted that while breast cancer is a serious threat, early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

"Many women hesitate to discuss this issue, which can delay diagnosis and treatment," she said, urging attendees to prioritise their health.

In her presentation, Dr Humaira outlined the common symptoms of breast cancer, which include lumps in the armpit or breast, changes in breast shape, skin puckering or redness, swelling, pain, and nipple discharge.

She recommended that women begin monthly self-examinations at age 20, preferably after menstruation, and advised annual mammograms starting at age 40.

Aamra Nari, the event organiser, is a non-political, nonprofit organisation focused on women's empowerment, welfare, and social development. Through Aamra Nari Research and Development, it conducts breast cancer awareness seminars across the country.

This initiative, which takes place annually during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, will continue through November 20 in Dhaka and other locations, aiming to empower women to take charge of their health.

The seminar reinforced Aamra Nari's mission of fostering a health-conscious future generation, equipping women with knowledge and resources to detect breast cancer early and seek timely medical intervention.