Cancer cases on the rise with over 35,000 new diagnoses annually

By Poojathmi Rivithma   

Nearly 35,000 new cancer cases and 19,145 cancer-related deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka, placing cancer among the leading causes of mortality in the country, according to data published by the National Cancer Control Programme in 2022.   

Addressing the 78th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society (SLCS), President of the SLCS, Anoja Karunaratne, said cancer remains a major public health challenge globally as well as in Sri Lanka, with a significant impact on individuals, families and the national health system.   

She noted that among men, the most commonly reported cancer is mouth cancer, while among women, breast cancer remains most prevalent   

Karunaratne stressed the importance of early detection, increased public awareness and strengthened healthcare services to combat the growing cancer burden in the country.   

“The Sri Lanka Cancer Society aligns its vision with the World Cancer Declaration, advocating for reduced premature cancer deaths, equitable access to quality cancer care, and strengthened prevention and early detection strategies,” she said.   

She further noted that a substantial proportion of cancers are preventable or can be detected early. Promoting awareness of cancer risk factors, early warning signs, and healthy lifestyle choices remains a critical pillar in reducing the national cancer burden.