The International Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month was inaugurated on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, under the slogan ‘Don’t be silent about cancer, be aware. Don’t be ashamed, let timely treatment be our strength’ by the Department of Gynecological Oncology of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). A scientific session, CME and screening program titled ‘Ovarian Cancer: Beyond Surgery’ was held at the university’s Shaheed Dr. Milon Hall, organized by the Gynecological Oncology Department of BMU and India’s Medisthan Healthcare-AllCure, with the support of expert doctors from the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences. The chief guest of all these events was the Vice Chancellor of BMU, Professor Dr. FM Siddiqui. The Vice Chancellor inaugurated the colorful rally by releasing balloons and pigeons from in front of the B Block of the university. At the same time, Professor Dr. FM Siddiqui said that the International Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month and the scientific session and CME program titled ‘Ovarian Cancer: Beyond Surgery’ are important because they will increase public awareness. There is no alternative to awareness in the prevention of gynecological cancer. Even small symptoms that may be gynecological cancer should not be neglected. If the symptoms of gynecological cancer can be identified a little earlier, it is possible to prevent this cancer. It is possible to save women’s lives. Every year, 1.4 million women are affected by gynecological cancer in the world and 80 thousand are affected in Bangladesh. To get rid of this condition, one must overcome the fear of shame and seek medical attention in a timely manner, without ignoring the symptoms of gynecological cancer. The rally was attended by BMU’s Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Mostafa Kamal, Dean of the Faculty of Surgery Professor Dr. Md. Ibrahim Siddique, Proctor Professor Dr. Sheikh Farhad, Chairman of the Gynecological Oncology Department Professor Dr. Jannatul Ferdous, Professor Dr. Fawzia Hossain, Professor Dr. Ashrafunnesa, Professor Dr. Shirin Akhter Begum, Private Secretary-1 to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Hossain, Deputy Registrar Md. Alamgir Hossain and others. Later, a scientific session and CME program titled ‘Ovarian Cancer: Beyond Surgery’ was held at Shaheed Dr. Milton Hall under the chairmanship of Professor Dr. Jannatul Ferdous, Chairman of the Department of Gynecological Oncology. Professor Dr. Latifa Akhter introduced the foreign experts. In the scientific session, a paper titled ‘Surgery in Ovarian Cancer: From Early Stage Management to In Situ Reduction’ was presented by BMU Associate Professor Dr. Farzana Sharmin Bithi and a paper titled ‘Beyond Psycho Reduction: Evolving Surgical Landscape of Ovarian Cancer-HIPEC, PIPAC’ was presented by Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, India. Dr. Pritilata Chowdhury, Director and Head (Gynecology) presented a paper titled ‘Beyond Psycho Reduction: Evolving Surgical Landscape of Ovarian Cancer-HIPEC, PIPAC’ and a paper titled ‘Oncology Services’ presented by Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, India. Puneet Gupta presented an informative article titled ‘Are We Ready for the Next Step in Bangladesh?’. Professor Dr. Monowara Begum, Department of Gynecological Oncology, proposed the vote of thanks. The program was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Farhana Khatun and Dr. Meher Nigar Munmun. At the program, Director of Medisthan Healthcare-AllCure, Dr. Maskur Ahmed Usmani, highlighted their ongoing initiatives to make advanced cancer treatment and international healthcare accessible. Meanwhile, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program titled “Ovarian Cancer Beyond Surgery” was also successfully held by Medisthan Healthcare-AllCure, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad, India, jointly organized by Medisthan Healthcare-AllCure. The objective of this program is to advance medical education, clinical collaboration and patient care. This CME program is part of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Medisthan Healthcare-AllCure and BMU. Through this partnership, more than 200 underprivileged children from Bangladesh have already received free complex surgeries and treatment in India. Along with the academic program, 70 women received services at the cancer screening and counseling camp organized today. In addition, Medisthan Healthcare-AllCure announced the launch of its international teleconsultation platform, through which patients can get second opinions from international experts before going abroad. Professor Dr. Jannatul Ferdous, Chairman of the Gynecological Oncology Department of BMU, said, September is celebrated worldwide. The main objective of this month is to make women aware of different types of cancer and encourage them to seek medical advice quickly if they experience symptoms of the disease. Cervical, uterine, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar cancer are among the important health problems of women. Many times, women delay going to the doctor even after noticing changes in their body due to shame, fear or negligence. As a result, the disease is detected later and treatment becomes more difficult. Symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, change in menstrual pattern, bleeding after menopause, abnormal discharge, prolonged lower abdominal pain, bloating or feeling full with little food should not be ignored. Especially if there is any bleeding after menopause, you must consult a doctor. Other speakers said that cervical cancer can be prevented. The main cause of cervical cancer is HPV virus. The risk of this cancer can be greatly reduced through HPV vaccination and regular screening. Therefore, it is important for women to be aware of their own health and get regular screening according to age and risk. Awareness, not shame There is still a lot of hesitation in our society to talk about women’s bodies. But we must remember that there is no shame in talking about any abnormal changes in the body. Many cancers can be successfully treated if treated on time. Therefore, if you notice any abnormal changes in your body or that of a woman close to you, you should seek medical advice without delay. In this awareness month, we appeal to all of you to know your body. Do not ignore the symptoms. Get regular screening. Learn about HPV vaccination. Get treatment quickly if necessary. An aware family can save a woman’s life.
Edited by Professor Dr. Md. Saiful Azam Ranju.