Shawdesh desk:

Cancer patients are increasing day by day and at present there are about 20 lakh cancer patients in the country, Health Minister Zahid Maleque said.

The health minister disclosed the information while addressing a discussion meeting at National Cancer Research Institute and Hospital’s Auditorium in capital’s Mohakhali on Thursday on the occasion of World Cancer Day.

Zahid Maleque said that besides cancer, millions of people are suffering from various non-communicable diseases including liver, kidney and heart problems.

Eating habits, excessive use of pesticides, environment pollution and smoking are main causes behind the increase of these diseases.