Journal of Quality in Health Care & Economics (JQHE)

ISSN: 2642-6250

Research Article

Burden and Trends of Cancer in Bangladesh: Insights into Breast, Lung, Cervical, and Liver Cancers and Implications for Public Health Interventions

Authors: Rokonuzzaman*, Mahdi H, Shafikul I , Tasneem Binte T, Mim R and Rakibul I

DOI: 10.23880/jqhe-16000338

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a major public health concern worldwide, causing significant morbidity and mortality. It surpasses other diseases like HIV and tuberculosis as a leading cause of death. The impact of cancer has been on the rise, with the burden of cancer in low-income countries increasing from 25% in 1960 to 55% in 2010. If this trend continues, it is projected that by 2030, the burden of cancer will increase by 70%. In Bangladesh, the burden of cancer has steadily increased over the years, posing a formidable challenge to the country's healthcare system and socioeconomic development. Cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in Bangladesh and has profound implications for the well-being and livelihoods of its population. Methodology: In this study, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather relevant information and insights regarding cancer in Bangladesh. Data for this study were collected from various sources, including hospitals and academic institutions in Bangladesh. This research paper employed a mixed-methods approach to gather data and explore two distinct research questions. Two surveys were conducted, one focusing on smoking prevalence and age, and the other on the demographic and reproductive characteristics of women. For the smoking and age survey, a random sampling method was employed to select participants. The second survey targeted women and aimed to gather information about their demographic and reproductive characteristics. • Breast Cancer: The present research aimed to analyze the incidence rates of breast cancer at the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) over a ten-year period. The findings revealed a fluctuating pattern in breast cancer incidence, with the highest rate observed in 2014 (12.5%) and the lowest rate in 2011 (9.8%). According to WHO data from 2020, no cases of breast cancer were reported in individuals aged 0-19 years. However, the incidence of breast cancer dramatically increased after the age of 20. Factors such as early marriage and early pregnancy may contribute to this trend. In Bangladesh, a significant proportion of individuals (21%) get married before the age of 15 and 55.6% get married the age between 16 to 17 years while only 23.4% are married above the age of 20. • Lung cancer: The data analysis conducted for lung cancer in Bangladesh Cancer Hospital incidence over the ten-year period from 2005 to 2014 revealed a consistent increase in the number of cases. The highest number of lung cancer cases was observed in 2014, with 1983 cases recorded. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high incidence and mortality rates. The causative factor, smoking and environmental pollution are discussed in detail in the factor section. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for effective strategies in lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. 2 Journal of Quality in Health care & Economics Rokonuzzaman, et al. Neurological Diseases and My Experience in the Physiotherapy Internship- Part 2. J Qual Healthcare Eco 2023, 6(3): 000338. Copyright© Rokonuzzaman, et al. • Cervical Cancer: The number of cervical cancer patients in the Bangladesh Cancer Hospital varied from year to year. According to WHO data from 2020, 8268 new cases of cervical cancer were reported, with 4971 deaths recorded. Another critical aspect to consider is the age distribution of general public in Bangladesh. The analysis of our data indicates that a significant percentage of women had their first delivery at a young age. This highlights the issue of early childbirth, which may be a major contributing factor to the development of cervical cancer. • Liver Cancer: The analysis of liver cancer incidence at the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH) revealed fluctuating patterns over an eight-year study period. An interesting observation from the data is the high prevalence of tobacco smoking among Bangladeshi males. Certain chemicals found in smoking, such as nitrosamines, vinyl chloride, tar, and 4-aminobiphenyl, have been identified as potential causes of liver cancer. A closer examination of the age distribution of tobacco smoking addiction revealed that a small percentage of males below 20 years old were addicted to tobacco smoking, whereas a large number of individuals became addicted after reaching 20 years of age. These findings suggest a potential association between tobacco smoking and the increased incidence of liver cancer in males. Factor: We aimed to explore the impact of various factors, including tobacco use, on cancer. Our survey conducted among 313 participants aimed to examine the prevalence of tobacco use across different age groups. The survey data revealed varying rates of tobacco use across different age groups, with the highest prevalence observed among individuals aged 31-35 years. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted interventions and preventive measures to address tobacco use, particularly among younger age groups, to mitigate the risk of developing lung cancer. The data was collected from a sample of individuals, and the frequencies of different age groups were recorded. The prevalence of early marriages and early childbirth is evident, with a significant number of individuals experiencing these milestones at young ages. Our review examined the impact of water pollution on cancer risk, with a focus on environmental contaminants and their potential carcinogenic effects. Opportunities for Cancer Treatment: Recent developments have opened up new opportunities for cancer treatment in Bangladesh. This includes advancements in technology and infrastructure, collaboration with international organizations, expansion of oncology services, and a growing emphasis on cancer research and clinical trials. These opportunities indicate positive developments in Bangladesh's healthcare landscape. Conclusion: The burden of cancer in Bangladesh is increasing, posing significant challenges to the healthcare system and socioeconomic development of the country. Tobacco use, both active and passive, has been identified as a significant risk factor for various types of cancer. Public health interventions, including improved screening programs, awareness campaigns, access to timely and quality healthcare services, and vaccination programs, are crucial for early detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Nicrh; Breast; Lung; Cervical; Liver Cancers; Burden of Cancer; Prevalence Rate

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