Dhaka: Experts at a discussion on Wednesday predicted that cancer would become increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh where death from cancer will increase to 13 percent in 2030. 

Citing statistics of International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), they said cancer caused 7.5 percent death in 2005.

This was revealed at the discussion held at the Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital at Uttara in the city.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Zahid Maleque addressed the meeting as the chief guest while President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission presided over it.

President of Bangladesh Medical Association Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Managing Director of Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital Brigadier General (retd) Dr Syed Fazle Rahim, among others, also spoke on the occasion.

Zahid said Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable progress in the field of health in the past eight years as the government has implemented various effective programmes. 

He said target has been set for reducing epidemic of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, to one third for ensuring sustainable development in the country.

Unhealthy lifestyle is largely responsible for a rapid rise of cancer diseases in the world as well as in Bangladesh, Zahid said adding that early detection of cancer can save lives of the people. He stressed on launching a massive campaign to create mass awareness among the people to prevent outbreak of the cancer diseases.

Health experts said the number of cancer patients is increasing at an alarming rate in Bangladesh as nearly three lakh people are affected by cancer diseases every year.

Of the affected cancer patients, around two lakh people are killed by the deadly disease annually, they added.