They said apart from women, men can also fall victim to breast cancer, adding that early detection may eliminate death risk in many cases.

National Sports Council (NSC) and ‘sanofi-aventis’ Bangladesh, a pharmaceutical company, jointly organised the awareness programme for the sportswomen titled ‘Breast cancer: Early detection …Best prevention’ at the Conference Lounge, National Press Club in the city marking International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Dr Mahmood Abedin Khan, Oncology Manager, sanofi-aventis Bangladesh said, more than 22,000 women are affected by breast cancer and out of them 15,000 die due to lack of awareness and without modern treatment every year in Bangladesh,

A significant number of lives could be saved if diagnosed at an early stage by popularising monthly Breast Self Examination (BSE).

Table tennis player and Guinness record holder Zobera Rahman Linu said sportswomen can be regarded as an idol for the young women. They can play a significant role in creating awareness on breast cancer in their community.