Around 15 new breast cancer patients and three related deaths are reported daily in Sri Lanka, health officials revealed.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sept. 24, Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma, Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, said 19,457 women were diagnosed with cancer in 2022, of whom 5,477 were breast cancer patients, accounting for 28 percent of all female cancer cases.
She noted that while breast cancer is treatable when detected early, nearly 30 percent of cases are identified at advanced stages, making recovery more difficult.
According to official data, 15,245 cancer-related deaths occur annually in Sri Lanka, with 798 attributed to breast cancer.
Dr. Alahapperuma said that a special awareness program will be held on Oct. 11 at Havelock City to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, featuring exhibitions, medical consultations, and testimonies from survivors.
Joining the briefing, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Hasarali Fernando urged all women over 20 to perform self-breast examinations or undergo clinical checkups. She identified key risk factors, including age over 50, family history, genetic mutations, and prolonged exposure to estrogen.
She added that women aged 20 to 40 should undergo a clinical breast examination once every three years, while those over 40 should have an annual checkup. (Newswire)
