Experts call for national guidelines to tackle rising prostate cancer rates

Prostate cancer cases are on the rise in Bangladesh, but the country still lacks specific national guidelines for screening, prevention, and treatment, experts said at a discussion yesterday.

The event, titled "Ravipath to JivanPath: Stories of Victory over Prostate Cancer", was organised by the Center for Cancer Care Foundation (CCCF) at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Dhaka to mark September's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Speakers at the programme called for structured protocols to detect and manage the disease, especially among high-risk groups, and emphasised the role of diet, smoking cessation, and family support in recovery.

Playwright, director and writer Abul Hayat, speaking as chief guest, shared his personal journey with prostate cancer. "When I was diagnosed at 70, I was devastated," he said. "But with the support of my wife and children, I recovered over the next ten years. Positive thinking plays a major role in healing."

Hayat also announced that the second part of his book Ravipath, chronicling his experience as a cancer survivor, will be published at the upcoming book fair.

CCCF President Roksana Afroj chaired the event, while General Secretary Jahan E Gulshan Shapla moderated the discussion. Among the attendees were magician Jewel Aich, actor and screenwriter Afzal Hossain, and several medical professionals and volunteers.

BMU Biochemistry Professor Nasrin Chowdhury said prostate cancer primarily affects the male reproductive system and is increasing due to factors like smoking. "There are no national guidelines yet," she said. "But if tests like digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and biopsy are done based on risk factors and family history, early detection is possible."

She added that routine screening should begin between ages 45 and 47 for those with a family history, while such tests are generally not recommended for individuals over 70 unless symptoms persist.

Clinical and radiation oncologist Asim Kumar Sengupta noted that most cases now involve patients aged 70 and above. "Prostate cancer is a slow-growing tumour, but early screening can help manage it effectively," he said. "Even after 70, PSA testing is important for those with family history."

Dhaka University Associate Professor and molecular oncologist Mustak Ibn Ayub stressed the need for surveillance and counselling in families with hereditary risk. "About 15 percent of prostate cancer cases in Bangladesh are genetic," he said. "If all cancer-related platforms work together, we can find solutions."

Public health expert Halida Hanum Akhtar urged widespread awareness and early screening. "Those with family history should get tested before 50," she said. "Even those without history but showing symptoms should undergo PSA screening. We must also address smoking as a major risk factor."

In her closing remarks, CCCF President Roksana Afroj said over 1.6 million people in Bangladesh are living with various forms of cancer. "Many patients suffer more from guilt than the disease itself," she said. "We must break the taboo and bring these stories to light."