Amader Gram ICT for Development -- a non-government organisation (NGO) -- is going to launch an online service in detecting breast cancer in Bagerhat district from the second week of this month.

The International Breast Cancer Research Foundation (IBCRF) of Ohio State University, USA will provide the service through Internet for the rural women of Bangladesh.

"Initially the service for detecting breast cancer will be available at the Shaplaful Mother & Child Health Care Centre -- an associate organisation of Amader Gram -- in Bagerhat and later it will be extended to other areas of the country gradually," Reza Salim, project director of Amader Gram, told The Daily Star.

The advice of US specialists will be available within eight hours in diagnosis of breast cancer and they will also make necessary suggestions for treatment.

Amader Gram and IBCRF has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement in Bagerhat to execute the project. Reza Salim and Heather Roberto, research specialist of IBCRF, signed the agreement on behalf of their organisations.

Initial screening will be done to those with the breast tumour or other symptoms at the Primary Screening Centre. The reports of all these tests will be sent to the IBCRF through Internet.

A group of Bangladeshi cancer specialists will provide necessary advice and treatment following the suggestions from the US.

"The main objective of this project is to eradicate all sorts of taboos, fear, maltreatment or social restrictions faced by the rural women across the country," Reza Salim said.

The project will bear all necessary cost of treatment for the poor.

Amader Gram Communi-cations has provided necessary technological support including computer software and hardware in implementing this online service.

A mobile phone helpline to get the services of the project will also be available very soon.