Experts said Bangladesh identifies nearly 200,000 new cancer patients each year, with the number steadily increasing while treatment opportunities have not expanded at the same pace. The information was shared on Sunday during the inauguration of Star Cancer Center in Dhaka, which announced a free second-opinion and treatment-advice service for cancer patients.

Through the initiative, patients will be able to seek expert opinions and medical guidance on their diagnosis, current treatment plan and subsequent treatment options. Dr. Bipin Goyal, senior consultant and head of surgical oncology at Star Cancer Center, Hyderabad, said patients and their families are often forced to make major treatment decisions under intense mental pressure after a cancer diagnosis.

Goyal urged patients to make full use of the free second-opinion service. He said the initiative aims to provide accurate and verified specialist opinions before treatment begins, helping create needed transparency, confidence and clarity in treatment planning.