Sri Lanka lacks adequate breast cancer screening at a population level, a community medicine specialist said.
“For breast cancer, we are not doing screening at a population level in our country. Like for cervical cancer we have this type of screening which should be done at the age of 35 and 45 at well woman clinics. That message is there. But not for breast cancer,” head of the national cancer control program, Dr Hasarali Fernando told EconomyNext.
She said there was expansion of healthcare services in Sri Lanka, citing the establishment of 30 new breast clinics in government hospitals under the supervision of oncology surgeons.
These clinics, in addition to the existing Suvanari clinics and cancer early detection centres, play a crucial role in enhancing the early detection of breast cancer, Dr Fernando said speaking to the President’s Media Division.
The Ministry of Health has already established five cancer screening centers in Narahenpita, Rathnapura, Matara, Batticaloa and Jaffna.
“Individuals can visit any of these facilities or hospitals promptly to undergo necessary tests and receive medical advice. While breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection offers the possibility of complete cure.”
