Health authorities report that Sri Lanka records about 15 new breast cancer cases and three related deaths every day.
Addressing a press conference, National Cancer Control Program Director Dr. Srini Alahapperuma said that in 2022, a total of 19,457 women were diagnosed with cancer, of whom 5,477 were breast cancer patients—accounting for 28 percent of all female cancer cases.
She noted that while breast cancer is treatable if detected early, nearly 30 percent of patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which significantly reduces their chances of recovery.
Official data show that Sri Lanka records 15,245 cancer-related deaths annually, with 798 attributed to breast cancer.
Community Physician Dr. Hasareli Fernando, also speaking at the press conference, emphasized the importance of early detection. She urged all women over the age of 20 to perform regular self-breast examinations or undergo clinical checkups.
She further recommended that women aged 20 to 40 undergo a clinical breast examination once every three years, while women over 40 should receive an annual examination.
