November 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing a worrying increase in lung cancer, with the number of reported cases rising by around 50 per cent since 2010, prompting health professionals to call for greater public awareness of the disease and its associated risk factors.
The concerning trend was highlighted by Consultant Thoracic Surgeon Dr Saman Iddagoda of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases during a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau.
Referring to figures compiled by the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases and the National Cancer Control Programme between 2010 and 2020, Dr Iddagoda said lung cancer diagnoses had increased by approximately 50 per cent among both men and women.
He pointed out that the disease has become one of the leading cancer types affecting males in the country, while its prevalence among females has also grown to the extent that it now features among the ten most common cancers affecting women.
Of particular concern is the growing number of patients diagnosed with lung cancer despite having no history of smoking. Dr Iddagoda noted that women who have never smoked are also increasingly represented among those affected, challenging the common perception that the disease is exclusively linked to tobacco use.
Meanwhile, Consultant Community Physician at the National Cancer Control Programme Dr Hasarali Fernando explained that smoking remains the dominant contributor to lung cancer, accounting for approximately 90 per cent of cases.
Nevertheless, she cautioned that avoiding cigarettes does not eliminate the possibility of developing the disease, as environmental exposure and workplace conditions can also play a significant role.
Second-hand tobacco smoke is one such threat, while polluted outdoor air containing emissions from vehicles and industrial activities can further increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Indoor air quality is another important concern, particularly in households where firewood or kerosene is used for cooking. Inadequate ventilation can allow harmful pollutants to accumulate inside homes, exposing residents to potentially dangerous substances over prolonged periods.
Dr Fernando also drew attention to other contributing factors, including certain long-term respiratory illnesses and exposure to hazardous materials such as radon, asbestos and silica.
The latest findings underline the importance of looking beyond smoking when addressing lung cancer prevention in Sri Lanka. Experts say greater attention to environmental pollution, safer household cooking practices and occupational exposure is essential to reducing risks and protecting vulnerable communities.
