An islandwide special national programme to promote early detection of breast cancer and raise public awareness will be held on November 2, under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Ministry of Health.
According to a statement from Parliament, the decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, chaired by its Chairperson, Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj.
As part of the initiative, women Members of Parliament will organise health clinics and awareness programmes at electorate and district levels on Monday (02), while directly participating in activities aimed at encouraging early screening and detection of breast cancer.
Special attention will be given to encouraging women in rural communities, plantation areas, urban high-rise housing complexes and underserved regions to attend Suwanari Clinics for screening and early detection services.
The programme will also promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the use of pink ribbons, wristbands and clothing among women Parliamentarians, school students and university students.
During the meeting, Health Ministry officials revealed that approximately 6,000 new breast cancer cases are reported in Sri Lanka annually, while around 1,000 women die from the disease each year.
Officials highlighted that breast cancer can be completely cured when detected at an early stage, but delays in seeking treatment due to fear, embarrassment and lack of awareness remain significant challenges.
It was also revealed that only around 50% of women aged between 35 and 45 currently attend Suwanari Clinics, prompting calls for greater participation in screening programmes.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive national programme is planned for next year to refer all women aged 35 to 45 for screening tests.
The initiative will involve relevant stakeholders, including women’s societies operating at the Grama Niladhari division level, to encourage greater participation in early cancer detection services.
The Caucus also discussed plans to conduct cervical cancer awareness programmes in January under the leadership of women Members of Parliament.
In addition to the health initiatives, discussions focused on gender-responsive budgeting and the care economy, including obtaining technical advisory support for implementing the National Care Policy and incorporating gender-responsive policies into the national budget process.
The meeting also emphasised the need to expedite legislative amendments addressing shortcomings in laws relating to the prevention of domestic violence, maintenance and the prohibition of corporal punishment against children.
The importance of coordinating with the Ministry of Justice to advance these legislative amendments was also highlighted. (Newswire)