They said the country has only 98 medical oncologists (cancer specialists) and a total of 175 beds for cancer patients whereas around two lakh people are diagnosed with various types of cancer every year most of whom cannot afford the costly treatment.

Referring to low consciousness and knowledge about the development of the silent killer, the speakers said there is need for massive nation-wide campaign to raise awareness about various aspects of cancer.

Prof M A Mannan, pro-vice- chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and a childhood cancer specialist, said, "Around 80 percent child cancer can be cured if diagnosed on time. But unfortunately majority of the patients seek treatment at the advanced stage when we can hardly do anything to help them."

"However, by extending generous help for poor cancer patients we can at least ensure their rights to live and treatment." he added.

M R Khan, national professor and noted child specialist, appealed to all wealthy people to come forward to serve the distressed humanity.

"I humbly appeal to all bankers to make generous donation to help poor cancer patients. We physicians would offer our labour and wisdom as part of our commitment to serve the humanity," he added.

Prof Khan also urged the media to raise awareness about the campaign saying if every citizen gives one taka each, there will be Tk 14 crore for the treatment of cancer patients.

Prof M A Hai, director of cancer hospital of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, said around one third of all cancers are preventable. "With more focus on cancer prevention campaigns and intensifying advocacy prgrammes we can save so many lives by simply motivating people to undertake early diagnosis whenever signs of cancer like, frequent fever, unusual loss of body weight, growth of lumps, abnormal internal bleeding, unusual bowl movement and sudden physical change appear," he said.

The roundtable was told that tobacco is responsible for about 50 percent of all lungs cancer.

Information Minister M Shamsul Islam, British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, Major General A S M Motiur Rahman, Major General (Retd) A R Khan, chief consultant of Birdem, and Lt Col (Retd) Mudassir Hossain Khan, chairman of MCCC also spoke.

The roundtable was organised by Mosabbir Cancer Care Centre (MCCC) at a city hotel.