At the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital in Mohakhali, Dhaka, a quiet yet powerful witness of compassion unfolds each day. Nurse Jayanti Gregory, a 53-year-old Catholic mother, has spent the past 11 years serving women diagnosed with breast cancer, offering not just medical care, but dignity, empathy, and hope.
One day, a Muslim female doctor asked Jayanti, “Are you a Christian?” “Yes,” Jayanti replied, surprised. “How did you know?” The doctor smiled and said, “I could tell from your kindness. I studied at Holy Cross College.”
This brief exchange reflects how Jayanti’s faith shines through her work. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but for Jayanti, every day is an opportunity to raise awareness and bring healing.
“Hundreds of breast cancer patients come to our hospital daily,” she said. “Sadly, many arrive too late. Those who seek treatment early have a much better chance of recovery.”
Jayanti explained that cultural stigma and embarrassment often prevent Bangladeshi women from discussing breast health. “Many suffer silently. They don’t share their pain, and by the time they come to us, the disease has already progressed.”
As a nurse, Jayanti fills a critical gap. “Doctors are overwhelmed. They don’t always have time to explain things. I guide patients on what to eat, less meat, more vegetables and fruits. These small changes can help during treatment.”
She has cared for hundreds of cancer patients, many of them women battling breast cancer. Even relatives and acquaintances reach out to her for help. “They trust me. I do what I can, even beyond my duty.”
But the hospital faces immense challenges. “This is the only government cancer hospital in Bangladesh. The patient load is huge. After diagnosis, patients often wait weeks for chemotherapy. Those with money go to private hospitals and get treated faster. But the poor suffer terribly.”
Jayanti’s voice trembled as she added, “Many poor patients die without treatment. It breaks my heart. I help financially when I can, but mostly I offer care and comfort.”
Her dedication does not go unnoticed. “Some patients stay for a long time. We build relationships. When they recover, they call to thank me. Others call to say their loved one has passed away. That’s hard.”
She believes that breast cancer awareness must go beyond October. “I talk to women whenever I can. I tell them to check their breasts while bathing. If they feel pain or a lump, they should get screened. Early detection saves lives.”
Jayanti sees her work as a form of ministry. “I preach Jesus through my actions. I treat patients with love. That’s my witness as a Christian.”
At the hospital, around 50 other Christian nurses serve alongside her. Together, they form a quiet force of compassion in a healthcare system stretched thin.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 15,000 women in Bangladesh are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and about 7,500 die from it. Experts estimate that one in ten Bangladeshi women will face breast cancer in her lifetime. Yet, early detection offers nearly a 100% chance of recovery.
Despite this, many women delay seeking help due to shame or lack of awareness. Breast cancer accounts for 12% of all cancer deaths in Bangladesh and 16.8% of all female cancer cases. New technologies such as digital breast tomosynthesis can detect early signs with 97% accuracy, but access remains limited.
Jayanti hopes that with greater awareness, more screening camps, and stronger community education, Bangladesh can reduce breast cancer deaths. “We need to talk about this disease openly. Women deserve to live without fear.”
Her story is one of quiet heroism, of faith in action, and of a nurse who sees every patient not just as a case, but as a person worthy of love and care.
