Friendship Hospital Shyamnagar, observed World Cancer Day with patients to strengthen community awareness on cervical cancer
by Iffat Ara Sharmeen,
5 March, 2026
On World Cancer Day, i.e. 4 February, Friendship Hospital Shyamnagar, Friendship VIA Screening Centres (VSC), Kurigram and Gaibandha, conducted a total of 45 awareness sessions with local women. The goal of these sessions was to promote the fact that preventing cancer is easier than curing it, and the proactive measures that women can take.
The sessions focused on raising awareness about different types of cancer, promoting early detection and treatment, and reducing stigma and misinformation surrounding cancer patients. Educational leaflets and materials were given to encourage healthier practices. Participants were counselled on risk factors and preventive measures against cancer.
Key Observations from the Field
The awareness sessions paved the way for doctors and Friendship Community Medic-aides (FCMs) to help absolve the stigma surrounding cervical cancer screening and treatment among marginalised coastal communities in Shyamnagar. Many women actively oppose treatment in these remote, rural communities where education is lacking. They displayed low awareness of referral pathways and so delayed visits to hospitals at the cost of their health, in fear of the crippling finances.
For example, Kulsum (pseudonym) tested positive for suspicious cervical cancer. She was referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital (RMCH) for further evaluation and management. Upon the third follow-up, FCMs discovered that she passed away, just five months after first testing positive. Her husband did not arrange treatment for her. Little support from family and a lack of treatment compliance led to her death.
Mousumi (pseudonym), on the other hand, is proof of the deep-seated insecurity and lack of knowledge surrounding women’s health. She also tested positive for suspected cervical cancer and was referred to RMCH. However, she preferred to go to a private clinic in Rangpur instead. She reported lower abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and irregular discharge. Although she was advised to undergo a Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH), she did not feel confident enough to go for it.
Bilkis (pseudonym) also refused treatment for fear of stigma and personal insecurities. Despite being diagnosed with suspected cervical cancer and receiving support from Friendship for oncology treatment, she prefers to live with continuous discharge, fever, and back pain.
Positive Impact
Under Friendship’s prescribed referral pathway, Sokina underwent LEEP biopsy and coagulant treatment. Due to work and financial issues, she does not want to pursue further treatment, but she acknowledged how early detection and minimal treatment have helped her.
Jorina (pseudonym) also achieved good health outcomes. With Friendship’s guidance, she received initial chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and later brachytherapy at Mohakhali Cancer Hospital. FCMs followed up with her regularly, with the last follow-up on 4 March 2026. Early screening and adherence to the treatment plan significantly improved her chances of survival. Rokeya (pseudonym) followed a similar treatment plan, except for brachytherapy, and she too reported feeling better.
Early detection, financial support, structured oncology plan, and continuous follow-ups enhanced both patient engagement and health outcomes. Breast cancer and lung cancer patients also found support and counselling in these awareness sessions.
