Dhaka, June 3 (UNB) - Advisor to the Prime Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Social Welfare Affairs Dr. Syed Modasser Ali said that it is possible to reduce risk of cancer by giving up smoking.  

It is not possible on the part of the government alone to build specialised cancer hospital without public-private partnership. It requires coordinated efforts of all, he said addressing a function here on Sunday.

A discussion was held marking the June 4 International Cancer Survivors' Day under the aegis of Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital at Mission Bhaban in Dhanmondi in the city.

Addressing on the occasion Dr. Modasser said if detected at earlier stage, it is possible to cure cancer. We should create an atmosphere so that the cancer survivors can live with dignity, he added.

Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) president Kazi Rafiqul Alam presided over the function.

Barrister Rafiqul Haque, Brigadier General ((retd) Dr. Syed Fazle Rahim, director of Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital, cancer specialist Prof. Dr. Syed Akram Hossain, among others, spoke on the occasion.

A get-together was also held where two cancer survivors--Rokeya Rubi and Shirin Akter-- expressed their feelings.

In his address, DAM president Kazi Rafiqul Alam hoped that the hospital will be initially commissioned by December this year.

Cancer survivors, cancer specialists, nurses, journalists and representatives from government and non-government organisations were present on the occasion.