Sri Lanka’s main Cancer Early Detection Centre has been relocated to new premises today, with plans to expand such facilities to every district in the future, Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni announced.
He noted that six centres are already operating at major hospitals, and the new unit was opened at the Outpatients Department building of the National Hospital in Colombo.
The centre focuses on detecting breast, cervical, and oral cancers, with patients referred for specialized treatment immediately after diagnosis. Established in 2004 with Rotary support, the centre has screened nearly one million people over 22 years, identifying 104 new cancer patients last year alone. Equipped with modern facilities, it operates on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Deputy Minister Wijemuni emphasized that cancer has become a major health challenge in Sri Lanka, with around 100 new cases reported daily and 40 deaths each day. He stressed the importance of prevention, highlighting risks from diet, environmental factors, and chemical use, and called for inter-ministerial solutions. He also thanked Rotary for its continued support.
Currently, similar centres function in Jaffna, Batticaloa, Badulla, Ratnapura, and Matara. Oral cancer is the most common among men, largely due to betel chewing, smoking, and alcohol, with 10 new cases and 3 deaths reported daily.
Cervical cancer remains prevalent among women, preventable through HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices, and regular Pap tests. Breast cancer affects 15 women daily, with 3 deaths, but early detection can ensure full recovery.
The inauguration was attended by WHO Representative Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, senior officials of the Health Ministry and National Hospital, directors of the National Cancer Control Programme, medical specialists, and Rotary leaders, underscoring the centre’s role as a key hub in Sri Lanka’s cancer care system. (Newswire)