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Sri Lanka is witnessing a concerning increase in mouth cancer cases, particularly among young adults aged 20 to 30, according to Dental Surgeon Dr. Prasanna Jayasekara. He attributes this trend largely to harmful lifestyle habits such as smoking, betel chewing, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Recent data reveals that over 3,300 mouth cancer cases have been reported across the country. On average, 10 new cases are diagnosed every day, with 15% of the affected individuals being male and 3% female.
The death toll is equally troubling. In 2019, Sri Lanka recorded 231 cases of mouth cancer. By 2021, that number had escalated significantly, resulting in 1,236 deaths, which equates to approximately three lives lost per day due to the disease.
In response, the Ministry of Health has intensified its public awareness campaigns, emphasizing the importance of regular dental checkups and seeking immediate medical attention for any unusual symptoms in the mouth.
Health officials urge citizens to be more conscious of their oral health and avoid high-risk habits that contribute to this growing epidemic.
