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Sri Lanka is witnessing a concerning rise in childhood cancer cases, according to the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). Data shows that nearly 900 new cases are diagnosed annually across the island.
Dr. Suraj Perera, Consultant Community Physician at the NCCP, highlighted that the Registrar General’s Department records around 200 child cancer deaths every year — a figure that has remained unchanged since 2019.
He further noted that, over the past 15 years, Sri Lanka has reported between 600 and 800 childhood cancer cases annually, but recent trends show an increase to nearly 900 cases.
Dr. Perera stressed that many of these deaths could have been avoided if children were diagnosed earlier. “These children had a real chance of recovery, but late detection continues to cost young lives,” he said.
The findings underscore the urgent need for greater awareness, early screening, and access to timely treatment in order to save young patients and reduce preventable deaths.
