Sri Lanka records approximately 100 new cancer patients each day, while around 40 people die daily due to cancer, according to the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
Community Medicine Specialist Dr. Hasarali Fernando revealed these figures citing data from the National Cancer Registry 2022, speaking at a media briefing held in connection with World Cancer Day on February 4.
She said a total of 35,855 new cancer cases were reported in 2022, while 14,986 cancer-related deaths were recorded in 2021. Of the new cases, around 19,500 were women and about 16,400 were men.
According to NCCP data, oral cancer is the most common cancer among men in Sri Lanka, while breast cancer is the most prevalent among women. Thyroid cancer and colorectal cancer follow as other common cancers among women.
Dr. Fernando noted that the World Health Organization estimates that 30 to 50 percent of cancers are preventable. She explained that ageing, gender, family history and genetic factors are major contributors to cancer risk.
She further pointed out that Sri Lanka’s ageing population is a key factor driving the rise in cancer cases, due to increased genetic mutations, reduced immunity and prolonged exposure to cancer-causing factors.
