Awareness must for childhood cancer prevention: Experts

Nine percent of the childhood diseases in Bangladesh is cancer, said health experts yesterday, calling for creating more awareness about prevention and treatment of the deadly disease.

Early diagnosis of childhood cancer can reduce morbidity and mortality rate, they said at a scientific seminar on "Childhood Cancer: Concept & Cure" organised by the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) at the university yesterday.

Dr Tasnim Ara of the department of hematology-oncology at the Children's Hospital in Los angels, USA, in her keynote presentation said environmental factors, diet and genetic changes cause cancer. University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Abdul Mannan spoke at the seminar.