With the aim of systematic collection, storage, analysis, interpretation and publication of the data on cancer patients, the BCF is launching the study project at a cost of Tk 17 lakh in 45 unions and three municipalities of six upazilas under Gazipur district.

The one-year private initiative with the technical support of the health and family welfare ministry would eventually cover six more districts from six administrative divisions in 2006.

The study by 12 researchers headed by Dr Md Habibullah Talukder, secretary general of the foundation, would cover a total of 22,33,509 people in the district.

"Since we do not have any exact data on the number of cancer patients, we thought it is time to establish such scientific database to help oncologists, medical students and also to develop an affective cancer control programme," said Dr Talukder.

The study would record age group, sex and nature of tumour of the cancer patients.

"Such database would provide us with vital information on the accurate number of cancer patients, types of cancer, death rate and other relevant information," said Dr Talukder.