Sri Lanka is facing a steadily growing cancer crisis, with around 100 new patients being diagnosed every day and approximately 40 cancer-related deaths recorded daily, according to the National Cancer Control Program.
Community Medicine Specialist Ms. Hasareli Fernando revealed these figures at a media briefing held in Colombo yesterday to mark World Cancer Day, which falls on February 4. She stressed that cancer continues to pose a major public health challenge in the country, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and timely treatment.
Citing data from the National Cancer Registry, Ms. Fernando stated that 35,855 new cancer cases were reported in Sri Lanka in 2022, while 14,986 deaths due to cancer were recorded in 2021. Of the newly reported patients, approximately 19,500 were women and 16,400 were men, reflecting a widespread impact across all segments of the population.
She noted that oral cancer was identified as the most common cancer among men, while breast cancer remained the leading cancer affecting women. Thyroid cancer ranked as the second most common cancer overall, followed by colorectal cancer in third place.
Health officials emphasized that these figures highlight the importance of preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and regular screening programs to reduce cancer-related illness and death. The National Cancer Control Program continues its efforts to educate the public and strengthen early detection services as part of a broader strategy to combat the rising cancer burden in the country.
