Campus Desk 

The Institute of Skill Development and Continuing Education (ISDCE) of the State University of Bangladesh (SUB) organized a special health awareness seminar and breast cancer screening program on Thursday. 

The day-long event, themed “Her Health, Her Power: Be Aware, Be Brave, Be Cared,” brought together faculty members, students, officials, and a large number of women from the surrounding community.

The event was graced by Prof  Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain Khan, Vice-Chancellor of SUB, as the Chief Guest, while Prof  Dr. Nawzia Yasmin, Pro-Vice Chancellor of SUB, presided over the session. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Mahmudur Rahman, Director of ISDCE.

The keynote paper was presented by renowned cancer epidemiologist and preventive oncologist Prof Dr. Habibullah Talukder Raskin, who discussed the prevalence of breast cancer globally and in Bangladesh, risk factors, early detection signs, and the importance of regular screening. He emphasized, “Prevention is far more cost-effective and impactful than treatment. Awareness and early detection can save countless lives every year.”

A special testimonial session featured Jahan-e-Gulshan Shapla, a breast cancer survivor and Secretary General of the Center for Cancer Care Foundation, who shared her inspiring journey of recovery. Mr. Amitav Bhattacharya, CEO of Harmony Trust, and public health expert Dr. Abu Jamil Faisal also spoke on the occasion, stressing the need for regular health education in higher education institutions.

One of the key highlights of the program was a hands-on training session on self-examination techniques, conducted by Ms. Mahmuda Mitu, Women’s Health Educator and Self-Screening Trainer from Harmony Trust. In addition, free breast cancer screening services were provided from 11 AM to 3 PM for female faculty members, staff, students, and local women, with a large turnout receiving the service for the first time.

The organizers announced that this initiative would not be limited to a single day but would continue through regular health awareness campaigns and annual screening programs for female students. The event was made possible through the generous support of NanoGroup, whose contribution set a new example of corporate social responsibility for women’s health.

This initiative reaffirmed SUB’s commitment that a woman’s health ensures the safety of families and the progress of society—proving once again that educational institutions are not just centers of learning but also platforms for social responsibility.