DUCSU, BIRDEM launch breast cancer awareness campaign with free screening, special health discounts

Bangla Press Desk:  The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), in collaboration with BIRDEM General Hospital, has launched a daylong breast cancer awareness campaign and announced a special health discount package to promote women’s health and safety.

The programme titled “Save The Smile: Breast Cancer Awareness Programme” was held on Tuesday at the university’s Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium, with participation from around one thousand students. The initiative aims to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and ensure special health benefits at BIRDEM General Hospital for Dhaka University students, teachers, staff, and their female family members.

Under this initiative, BIRDEM General Hospital announced free primary breast screening, while breast ultrasonography will cost Tk1,000 instead of Tk1,500 and mammograms Tk1,500 instead of Tk2,500. The offer will remain valid until 10 November 2025 for all students, teachers, and staff of Dhaka University.

Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Saima Haque Bidisha, who attended as the chief guest, stressed the need to build health awareness across society.

She said women often hide their health problems out of shyness or fear, which makes the situation worse. She added that a balanced diet, disciplined lifestyle, and awareness can help reduce such risks.

Prof Bidisha also mentioned that infrastructural development at the university’s medical centre is underway with Turkish support to enhance healthcare services.

Among the special guests were Assistant Proctor Shehrin Amin Monami, BIRDEM Director General Prof Dr Mirza Mahbub Hasan, BIRDEM Officers’ Association President Dr Morshed Uddin Akand, and General Secretary Dr Md Anwarul Islam.

BIRDEM faculty members Prof Sharmistha Roy, Assistant Professor Dr Masuda Joya, and Assistant Professor Dr Hasina Alam delivered presentations on topics including the social taboos surrounding breast cancer, early detection methods, preventive measures, and the advancement of local treatment facilities.

Speakers said that around 6,800 women die of breast cancer every year in Bangladesh, though early detection can make it curable.

DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem said, “This event marks a milestone as the first open breast cancer awareness programme at Dhaka University. Just as the July Revolution began here and spread nationwide, we believe this message of awareness will also reach society at large.”

DUCSU General Secretary SM Farhad expressed gratitude to BIRDEM authorities for their collaboration, noting that first-aid training and pest control initiatives are ongoing across 18 dormitories, while air conditioning work is in progress in two female dormitory reading rooms.

DUCSU Health and Environment Secretary Abdullah Al Minhaj, who co-hosted the programme with executive member Umma Uswatun Rafia, termed the initiative a historic step in creating awareness about breast cancer.

BP/SP