An initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer and provide assistance to those in need
Pink Saree Breast Cancer Initiative was launched in early 2023, in collaboration with SpaandanB, as a a breast cancer awareness and assistance program in Bangladesh, focusing on providing financial and medical support to underprivileged patients, especially at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). The initiative addresses the pressing need for early detection and treatment of breast cancer in a country where late-stage diagnoses and limited access to healthcare resources result in high mortality rates. The program aims to support approximately 10 patients annually while raising awareness about the importance of early detection.
Rationale for the Program
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Bangladesh, with an estimated 12,764 new cases and 6,846 deaths in 2018 (WHO data). The situation is exacerbated by:
1. Low Awareness: Cultural stigma and lack of knowledge about breast cancer symptoms lead to delays in seeking medical help.
2. Limited Access to Screening: Rural and underserved populations have minimal access to mammograms or clinical breast exams.
3. High Treatment Costs: For many families, the financial burden of cancer treatment is unaffordable, leading to treatment discontinuation or neglect.
Dhaka Medical College Hospital is one of the largest public healthcare facilities in the country, catering to thousands of low-income patients. However, the resources available for cancer treatment are often inadequate to meet the demand. Pink Saree program seeks to fill this gap by offering both financial aid and support services.
Program Goals
1. Financial Assistance: Cover the costs of diagnostic tests, surgeries, and chemotherapy for 10 economically disadvantaged breast cancer patients annually.
2. Awareness Campaigns: Conduct educational workshops at DMCH to teach patients and their families about breast cancer symptoms, self-examination techniques, and the importance of early diagnosis.
3. Emotional Support: Provide counseling and support networks for patients to reduce the stigma and psychological impact of the disease.
Expected Impact
The program aims to create a ripple effect by not only saving lives but also fostering greater awareness among the community. By helping 10 patients annually, Pink Saree hopes to demonstrate the effectiveness of early intervention and inspire similar initiatives in other regions.
Sonia Afroz, the founder of Pink Saree
Sonia Afroz is a seasoned Economist with nearly two decades of expertise in technology companies and consulting, specializing in Tax Planning, and IP Valuation. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Cornell University and resides in Silicon Valley, California, with her husband and three children.Motivated by her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor, Sonia founded the Pink Saree Breast Cancer Initiative to provide financial assistance and support to underserved cancer patients in Bangladesh. The initiative partners with local nonprofit SpaandanB and Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) to fund life-saving treatments and expand access to critical care for women in need.
