The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has reported a significant rise in cases of colon and rectal cancer, commonly known as colorectal cancer (CRC), among both adults and children in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a press conference at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma, Deputy Director of the NCCP, attributed the increase to unhealthy lifestyle habits and a lack of physical activity.
“Looking back 10 years, the data on colorectal cancer (CRC) in Sri Lanka and globally was relatively low. However, it has now risen to the third most common cancer, both globally and in Sri Lanka. Despite this, colorectal cancer can be prevented. The primary causes are poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and aging,” Dr. Alahapperuma explained.
She further clarified that while aging itself is not a direct cause of the disease, the accumulation of risk factors over time makes it more common among older individuals.
In Sri Lanka, approximately 1,500 men and 1,500 women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, Dr. Alahapperuma noted.
