Cervical cancer vaccination begins for first time in August

DHAKA, Bangladesh, July 18 (BSS) - Administering vaccines against
cervical cancer will begin next month for the first time in
Bangladesh, ushering in a new horizon in combating the deadly
disease.

Oncology Club and Federation of Anti-Cancer Activities of
Bangladesh (FACAB) have jointly taken the initiative to run the
programme for free.

National Cancer Institute of America and mobile phone
operator grameenphone will provide necessary assistance.

Chairman of Oncology Club and professor of Vrije University
in Amsterdam ABMF Karim told BSS today that the initiative was
taken as a follow-up of a decision in the recently concluded
four-day international socio-scientific conference on 'Cancer
(clinical oncology) for SAARC Region' in Dhaka.

The renowned oncologist said the club has completed
arrangements to send 10 young cancer specialists abroad to pursue
higher degrees on cancer. Upon their return to Bangladesh, he
hoped, they would put in their best efforts in cancer research.

Prof Karim further said another batch of young doctors would
be sent abroad for higher studies after the return of the first
group.

He said Health Adviser Dr AMM Shawkat Ali gave his
government's commitment to make the revolutionary initiative a
success.

Dr Karim said a large segment of young women in rural areas
die of cervical cancer, where the vaccine will help cure the
patients. "Initially, women under abject poverty would be brought
under the vaccination programme."

He said that both breast and cervical cancers are curable if
detected at the early stage.