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Sri Lanka battles with rising cancer patients as daily deaths rise to 40
Colombo, Jan. 29 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is facing a silent epidemic as around 100 new cancer patients are diagnosed every day and nearly 40 succumb to the disease, with experts warning that lifestyle choices and environmental hazards are fueling the crisis.
Dr. Hasareli Fernando, Head of the National Cancer Control Programme, shocked the nation yesterday by linking the surge in cases to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diesel emissions, plastic burning, and even eating red meaat while oral cancer continues to claim the most men.
Addressing the media ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4, Dr. Fernando highlighted lifestyle and environmental factors driving the alarming increase in cancer cases. “Tobacco remains the leading cause, followed by alcohol, diesel engine emissions, plastic and polythene burning, and exposure to industrial gases like Radon. Even dietary habits, such as consuming red meat including pork, are recognized human carcinogens,” she said.
Data from the National Cancer Registry reveal that 35,855 new cancer cases were reported in 2022, with women (19,500) slightly outnumbering men (16,400). Oral cancer is the leading type among men, while breast cancer tops the charts for women, followed by thyroid and colorectal cancers.
At Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama, nearly 3,000 to 4,000 patients are seen in clinics daily, with only 20% receiving active treatment and the remainder attending for follow-ups.
Dr. Fernando warned that some cancer risks, like age, genetics, and family history, are unavoidable. “Sri Lanka’s aging population will inevitably increase cancer incidence, as mutations accumulate, immunity declines, and exposure to carcinogens continues over time,” she said.
The World Health Organization, however, offers hope, stating that 30% to 50% of all cancers are preventable. Experts urge immediate public action to curb tobacco and alcohol use, reduce exposure to environmental pollutants, and adopt healthier diets before the daily death toll climbs further.
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