Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni said approximately 100 new cancer cases are being detected daily in Sri Lanka.
He made these remarks today (09) while inaugurating a new Early Cancer Detection Centre at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. The centre has been established on the ground floor of the Outpatient Department building.
Dr. Wijemuni said similar centres are currently operating in six hospitals across the country, adding that plans are underway to establish Early Cancer Detection Centres in every district.
He emphasized that reported cancer cases are rising steadily, with many patients seeking treatment at advanced stages of the disease. He also noted that around 40 patients die from cancer each day.
According to the National Cancer Control Programme Sri Lanka, an average of 15 women are diagnosed with breast cancer daily in Sri Lanka, with three deaths recorded each day.
The Programme recommends monthly self-breast examinations for individuals over the age of 20. Clinical breast screening is advised every three years for those aged 20 to 40, and annually for those above 40.
