Health authorities in Sri Lanka have raised concerns over a significant increase in cancer cases, with over 33,000 new diagnoses and 19,000 deaths recorded last year.
Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala said among men, oral cancer was the most common, while breast cancer remained the leading diagnosis for women.
He highlighted the growing burden of cancer, both locally and globally, warning that cancer cases worldwide are projected to jump by 77% by 2050, particularly in lower-income countries.
To tackle this surge, Dr. Mahipala urged Sri Lankans to focus on reducing risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity.
In Sri Lanka, breast, oral, lung, and colorectal cancers are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, he added. Oral cancer affects 16.5 men per 100,000 population, with 1,990 cases reported, while breast cancer affects 27.3 women per 100,000, with 4,555 cases recorded last year.
