Dipta, Bangladesh

A Supporter’s Perspective: Advocating for Cancer Patients in Bangladesh

Setting the Scene 

My name is Dipta Saha, and I am a supporter of cancer patients in Bangladesh. When I was a public health student at Jahangirnagar University, I was part of a team that organized a cancer awareness program from our department. At the time, I had little idea of the profound impact this disease had on individuals and families in Bangladesh. The program aimed to educate the community about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. However, during our interactions, I heard the heartbreaking stories of patients and their families—stories of struggles, late diagnoses, and financial burdens. These conversations opened my eyes to the far-reaching consequences of cancer, particularly in a resource-limited setting like ours. I realized that cancer in Bangladesh was not just a health issue; it was a societal and economic challenge that demanded attention and action. This experience planted a seed in my mind to do more for those affected by this disease.

The Turning Point 

The pivotal moment came when I met a young man named Shafik (pseudonym) who was caring for his father, a late-stage cancer patient. Shafik was juggling his father’s treatment alongside his job as the sole breadwinner of his family. He faced countless challenges—navigating a fragmented healthcare system, affording medications, and providing emotional support to his family. His father’s pain and deteriorating health weighed heavily on him, yet he remained resilient. Watching Shafik’s journey made me acutely aware of the gaps in our healthcare system: the lack of accessible palliative care, inadequate patient education, and insufficient psychosocial support for caregivers.

In my role as a supporter, I began assisting Shafik by connecting him to local NGOs offering financial aid and counseling services. We also explored options for better pain management for his father, which brought some relief. This experience was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. While I admired Shafik’s strength, I couldn’t ignore the systemic failures that made his journey so challenging. I often felt a mix of frustration and determination, knowing that more needed to be done to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Moving Forward 

Today, as a Health and Development Officer at Eminence Associates for Social Development, my focus is on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer. The experiences I’ve had as a student and supporter of cancer patients continue to shape my work. I’ve learned that addressing cancer in Bangladesh requires a holistic approach: public awareness, early screening programs, accessible treatment options, and robust support systems for both patients and caregivers.

This journey has taught me the value of empathy and the importance of listening to those directly affected by cancer. Shafik’s story and others like it remind me why I chose this path. I aspire to create a healthcare environment where patients feel seen, heard, and supported—not just medically, but emotionally and socially as well. Patients and caregivers need more than just medical interventions; they need compassion, guidance, and a sense of hope. I’m committed to advocating for these changes, inspired by the resilience and courage of the people I’ve had the privilege to support.