Sri Lanka Records Daily Surge of 100 Cancer Cases

Sri Lanka is witnessing approximately 100 new cancer cases each day, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni. He made the statement during the opening of a new Early Cancer Detection Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.

The centre, located on the ground floor of the hospital’s Outpatient Department, is part of a network of six existing centres nationwide. Authorities plan to expand such facilities to every district to improve early diagnosis, Dr. Wijemuni noted.

Highlighting the growing cancer burden, the Deputy Minister warned that many patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, with about 40 individuals dying from cancer daily. The National Cancer Control Programme reports that 15 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each day, and three die daily from the disease.

To aid early detection, health officials advise women over 20 to conduct monthly self-breast exams. Clinical breast screenings are recommended every three years for those aged 20–40 and annually for women above 40.