(BSS) - Emphasizing that government initiatives alone are not enough, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has called for united and concerted efforts from the government, educated society, and physicians to build widespread awareness against breast cancer across the country.

"Everyone must make a coordinated effort. Our rural mothers and sisters remain occupied from dawn to bedtime with household chores-when will they think about this? It is we, the government, and educated people like us who must think for them," he said.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on breast cancer awareness held at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in the capital today.

Calling upon physicians and civil society to take the lead in saving lives, the he said, "You are doctors; put your awareness and intellect to greater use. To save this society, you must come forward."

The minister particularly urged female physicians to spearhead rural outreach campaigns to bridge the awareness gap.

"Female doctors can play a very important role. Across the country, if you form an association of female doctors addressing breast cancer and spend at least three days a year in villages or speak to rural women wherever you are, I think you can control it a lot," he said, urging doctors to visit their ancestral homes at least once a year to educate rural women on self-examination.

The minister pointed out that conventional urban-centric symposiums or media scrolls fail to reach underprivileged communities.

"Awareness will not come merely through seminars or TV tickers. Considering the reality of our country, our rural women are not that educated. Our mothers and sisters in villages wake up early, sweep homes, wash utensils, prepare breakfast, and remain busy until going to bed. They remain busy. Thinking for their well-being is our collective responsibility," he stated.

Reaffirming the state`s ongoing efforts, he said the government is working to decentralize screening services. "From the government`s side, we are taking steps to expand breast screening facilities down to Upazila Health Complexes. But saying it is easy; implementing it on the ground takes time," he said, citing the need for infrastructure, recruitment, training, and door-to-door visits.

He warned that breast cancer not only physically impairs women but also leaves them entirely devastated psychologically.

Warning against modern habits that defy nature, he remarked that human society is increasingly "fighting against nature" under the Fourth Industrial Revolution, urging people to return to natural, healthy lifestyles.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on health affairs Ziauddin Hyder, Senior health officials, specialized surgeons, and eminent physicians were present at the event.