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The cancer recovery rate in the country remains at 30 per cent due to a lack of access to healthcare, while the rate is about 80 per cent in developed countries, said health specialists.
However, 70 per cent of patients get better if the cancer is detected on time and receives advanced treatment, they added.
Health specialists made these remarks at a scientific seminar held on Thursday on the occasion of International Child Cancer Day.
The event was organised at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) with the theme 'Child cancer can be cured with proper treatment at the right time'.
The Department of Paediatric Haematology & Oncology at BSMMU arranged a colourful procession and a scientific seminar. BSMMU vice chancellor Prof Dr Md Sharfuddin Ahmed inaugurated the programmes as the chief guest.
Speakers mentioned that at least 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year globally.
Most children with cancer die due to various reasons, including a lack of awareness and the excessive cost of treatment, as well as a lack of access to healthcare.
The vice chancellor highlighted that many people are unaware of the fact that children can get cancer.
When children fall sick, they must undergo various tests to determine the nature of their illness, he said, adding that if a child is diagnosed with cancer, regular treatment can cure it.
Research on childhood cancer is ongoing. A bone marrow transplant is the modern treatment method to cure childhood cancer, he said.
Meanwhile, bone marrow transplants have been successfully done at a low cost at BSMMU. “We have taken various initiatives for bone marrow transplants in children,” the VC added.