DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i01.017

Pages: 90-95

Background: Cancer poses a significant public health challenge in Bangladesh, with evolving patterns in urban areas. This study analyzed the incidence patterns of cancer patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka to provide current epidemiological data for healthcare planning and policy development. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2,847 cancer cases diagnosed between January to December 2020. Patient records were reviewed for demographic characteristics, cancer types, stage at presentation, and risk factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests for associations. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 56.3 ± 14.7 years, with a female predominance (54.8%). Among females, breast cancer was most common (31.2%), followed by cervical (22.4%) and ovarian cancer (12.8%). In males, lung cancer predominated (28.5%), followed by colorectal (15.3%) and gastric cancer (13.2%). Most patients (68.4%) presented at advanced stages (III/IV). Urban residents comprised 63.5% of cases. An annual increase of 8.3% in cancer diagnoses was observed, with breast cancer showing the highest rise (12.5%). Smoking history was present in 45.3% of male patients and 5.2% of female patients. Conclusions: The study reveals concerning trends of late-stage presentation and increasing cancer incidence, particularly in breast cancer cases. The findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced early detection programs, improved healthcare accessibility, and strengthened cancer surveillance systems in Bangladesh. These results provide crucial evidence for healthcare planning and policy development in cancer control.