SLCS implemented many cancer awareness programmes in 2024

SLCS prioritises grassroots initiatives to bridge the significant knowledge gap about cancer within all communities in the island

In the event of observing World Cancer Day, which fell on February 4, the Sri Lanka Cancer Society (SLCS) wishes to highlight certain efforts taken to raise awareness about the disease.Following is a release issued by SLCS. 

Cancer awareness is vital because it helps with early detection, which can dramatically improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. By understanding the risk factors, people can take proactive steps to reduce their risk, such as making healthier lifestyle choices. Ultimately, awareness empowers individuals to take control of their health, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer.

In marking World Cancer Day, the SLCS takes this opportunity to highlight some of its efforts in raising awareness about cancer. We firmly believe that fostering awareness among low-income and underprivileged communities plays a pivotal role in cancer prevention, reducing health disparities, and improving cancer outcomes. To this end, the SLCS prioritises grassroots initiatives to bridge the significant knowledge gap about cancer within these communities. Notably, our dedicated Public Education Officer, Merril Perera, who has been an integral part of the Society since 2021, has successfully conducted 271 cancer awareness programmes across the island.

The SLCS has primarily focused on conducting awareness programmes for low-income communities, factory workers, schools, and preschools in both Greater Colombo and outstation areas. These programmes are held in Sinhala, with Tamil translators available when necessary. Below are the main highlights of these awareness initiatives.

Community outreach programmes:

Perera has in conjunction with Jana Rukula, carried out awareness programmes focusing on breast and cervical cancer, for women in the Anuradhapura, Gampaha and Kurunegala Districts.

The SLCS is very pleased with the successful implementation of awareness programmes in 2024 in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, and Mannar, made possible through the support of Sarvodaya. These programmes were the first of their kind in these areas and aimed to raise awareness about general cancers among both men and women.

The Health Instructors of the Colombo Municipal Council organised programmes for communities living in low income housing in the Mattakuliya area and Perera was able to participate and carry out cancer awareness programmes for both men and women.

Factory workers outreach programmes

Many corporates such as Stretchline and R.M.P Ceylon Ltd have been interested in creating cancer awareness for their factory workers and Perera has been able to reach out to factories all around the island. MAS sponsored many programmes for their factory staff in Ratmalana, Biyagama, Moratuwa, Thulhiriya and Killinochchi. 

Schools and pre-school programmes

The Local Authorities in areas such as Negombo, Moratuwa and Ratmalana organised programmes in the presence of teachers and parents for Perera to speak to the children on cancer awareness. The Public Education Committee has also initiated cancer awareness for schools in Colombo, particularly focusing on girls’ schools. 

Programmes for Armed forces and Police: 

Perera has conducted awareness programmes for the Army Camp in Kandy and the Army rehabilitation centre in Colombo and the Airforce camp in Ratmalana.

The former secretary of the Pradheshiya Sabha in Mahiyangana organised an awareness programme for the Police station and Mahaveli project officers in which Mr Perera was able to participate and create awareness of general cancers.

A programme was also carried out for the Pettah Police Station.

Many Programmes are carried out on leading television stations focusing on spreading awareness to the masses. Some of these programmes have reputed Oncologists and Cancer Survivors sharing their knowledge and experience.

The Sri Lanka Cancer Society takes great pride in the grassroots-level awareness campaigns and programmes it has conducted and is committed to continuing this important work in the future. Looking ahead, we plan to focus on tea plantations and expand our programmes in 2025, continuing our efforts in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, and Mannar.

The Sri Lanka Cancer Society is deeply grateful for the donations it receives, as these are vital in supporting its efforts. The Society relies entirely on public contributions to fund and carry out all of its awareness programmes.