Non-profit organization Aamra Nari in collaboration with Pran-RFL Group organized a breast cancer awareness seminar on Thursday (November 7) to educate female employees of Pran-RFL Group about breast cancer risks, early detection and prevention.

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

Key representatives of the Pran-RFL Group were present, including Uzma Chowdhury, Director of Corporate Finance, Nurul Afsar, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Corporate Brand and Dr. Sun Health Care Shovel.

Notable participants included Mr. 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 main speaker of the seminar, Dr. Umme Humaira Kaneta, breast cancer specialist and MS resident in Surgical Oncology at the National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital, gave an informative presentation on breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Dr Humaira shared alarming statistics from the World Health Organization, stating that more than 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 are hesitant to discuss this issue, which can delay diagnosis and treatment,” she said, urging attendees to prioritize their health.

In his presentation, dr. Humaira pointed out the common symptoms of breast cancer, which include lumps in the armpit or breast, changes in the shape of the breasts, wrinkling or reddening of the skin, swelling, pain and discharge of the nipples.

She recommended that women begin monthly self-exams in their 20s, preferably after menstruation, and recommended annual mammograms beginning in their 40s.

Aamra Nari, the organizer of the event, is a non-political, non-profit organization focused on women’s empowerment, welfare and social development. Through Aamra Nari Research and Development, it organizes breast cancer awareness seminars across the country.

This initiative, which takes place annually during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, will continue until November 20 in Dhaka and other locations with the aim of empowering women to take control of their health.

The seminar reinforced Aamra Nari’s mission to foster a health-conscious future generation by equipping women with the knowledge and resources to detect breast cancer early and seek timely medical intervention.