More than 33,000 new cancer cases and 19,000 cancer-related deaths were reported in Sri Lanka last year, with oral cancer being the most prevalent among men and breast cancer the leading type among women, according to Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary of Health. He shared these statistics during the 21st Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO), which began in Colombo on October 10.
Mahipala warned that global cancer cases could increase by 77% by 2050, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of this rise. He stressed the need to address modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity to prevent thousands of new cancer cases each year.
“Cancer remains a major global health challenge,” Mahipala stated, referencing global data from 2022, which recorded nearly 20 million cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. In Sri Lanka, breast, oral, lung, and colorectal cancers are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. Oral cancer affects 16.5 men per 100,000, with 1,990 cases reported, while breast cancer affects 27.3 women per 100,000, with 4,555 cases recorded last year.
He highlighted the importance of early detection and timely treatment, noting that up to 95% of cancer cases are linked to environmental and lifestyle factors, while only 5-10% are due to genetic mutations.
The SLCO’s annual sessions, themed “Expanding Horizons, Enhancing Lives,” feature discussions and presentations by both local and international experts. The event runs from October 10 to 14 at the Galadari Hotel.
During the session, Dr. Umagauri Saravanamuttu was appointed as the new president of the SLCO, succeeding Dr. Mahendra Perera. The event was attended by several prominent figures in oncology, including SLCO Secretary Dr. Buddhika Somawardana.
Source – newswire.lk
