Around 15 new breast cancer patients and three related deaths are recorded in Sri Lanka each day, health officials has revealed.
Director of the National Cancer Control Programme Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma told a press briefing recently that 19,457 women had been diagnosed with cancer in 2022, including 5,477 breast cancer patients, accounting for 28% of all female cases.
She warned that while breast cancer was curable if detected early, nearly 30% of cases were identified at advanced stages. Official data show 15,245 cancer deaths occur annually, of which 798 are due to breast cancer.
Dr. Alahapperuma said a special awareness programme would be held on 11 October at Havelock City to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, featuring exhibitions, medical consultations and survivor testimonies.
Consultant Community Physician Dr. Hasarali Fernando urged women over 20 to perform regular self-breast examinations or clinical checkups. She cited risk factors such as age above 50,family history, genetic mutations and prolonged exposure to estrogen.She recommended women aged 20–40 to undergo a clinical examination once every three years, while those over 40 should have an annual checkup.
