BRAC University’s School of Pharmacy held a seminar, poster presentations, and a quiz competition on 11 September 2025 at the Merul Badda campus in Dhaka to raise awareness about prostate cancer, with a focus on the importance of early diagnosis.
Dr Arman Reza Chowdhury, Senior Consultant in Radiation Oncology at Evercare Hospital, was the keynote speaker at the event, which was co-organised by the BRAC University Pharma Society and supported by the Office of Co-Curricular Activities and Everest Pharmaceuticals Limited, in recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr Chowdhury explained that prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start growing uncontrollably, with symptoms including urinary problems, blood in the urine, and frequent nighttime urination. He stressed the importance of routine screenings for men aged 45 to 50, especially those with a family history or certain lifestyle factors.
He added that prostate cancer cases are gradually increasing in South Asia. “Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide, following lung cancer. In 2022, it accounted for 14.2 percent of newly diagnosed male cancer cases globally,” he said.
Dr Chowdhury also highlighted that prostate cancer grows slowly, and with appropriate treatment, even at advanced stages, patients can live normal lives. He noted that pharmacists play a crucial role in managing the treatment, ensuring proper medication use, controlling side effects, and acting as a bridge between patients and doctors.
He also assured that prostate cancer treatment in Bangladesh is of high quality, with affordable medications available from leading pharmaceutical companies.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar emphasised the importance of regular health check-ups, urging everyone not to conceal diseases out of shame, as doing so could lead to detrimental consequences. “Awareness programs like this are essential for preventing diseases, including prostate cancer,” he added.
Acting Dean of the School of Pharmacy, AFM Yusuf Haider, stressed the importance of modern medical equipment and skilled manpower in hospitals, particularly medical physicists. He highlighted the progress made in the medical field through technology and artificial intelligence and urged students to maintain healthy diets.
The seminar, aimed at challenging stereotypes surrounding masculinity, health, and vulnerability, supports BRAC University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and 4 (Quality Education).
