Also, over 90 percent of the sufferers do not have any idea about their illness until they are seriously effected.

Prof Khoorsheed Jahan Moula, a cancer expert, disclosed the facts while speaking at the launching ceremony of a week-long cervical (uterus) cancer screening programme yesterday, organised by the Bangladesh Cancer Foundation Hospital (BCFH) in the city.

The disease is almost curable if detected in the early stage, but most patients come to hospital when the disease reaches advanced stages, she said. "In view of this, I suggest that every woman after their first childbirth should undergo 'Pap Smear' test (a pathological examination) to know the status of their illness of the uterus."

Prof Jahan also suggested that married women should undergo Pap Smear test once every three years until the age of 65.

She pointed out that the disease of cervix cancer usually develops between the age of 35 and 65 years.

Prof AZM Zahid Hussain, secretary general of Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA), called for raising awareness to prevent the disease.

He also suggested undertaking training programmes for the physicians on various diseases, including uterus cancer, in all 67 branches of the BMA across the country.

Interested women can register for cervix cancer screening programme that began yesterday with a reduced fee of Tk 300 per person.

The screening programme includes physical examination by a gynaecologist and a Pap Smear test to detect uterus cancer. The physician will also give advice on the basis of the test report.

A total of 63 patients registered for the screening test yesterday at the 50-bed hospital at Lalmatia.

Prof AMM Shariful Alam, director of National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Prof Ahmed Syeed, treasurer of BCF, Dr Md Habibullah Talukder, secretary general of BCF, Dr Golam Mostafa, a leading histopathologist, Mosarrat Jahan Talukder, director of BCF, also spoke on the occasion.