LNP – Over 35,000 new cancer patients diagnosed annually in Sri Lanka: NCCP
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) revealed that between 35,000 and 40,000 new cancer cases are identified in Sri Lanka each year.
Speaking at a media briefing today, NCCP Consultant Dr. Suraj Nimalsiri Perera said a total of 37,753 new cancer patients were recorded in 2021, with at least 103 cases detected daily.
According to Dr. Perera, oral cancer remains the most common form of cancer among men, followed by lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and esophageal cancer.
Among women, breast cancer is the most prevalent, followed by thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. He noted that nearly 5,500 new breast cancer cases are reported annually.
Notably, colorectal cancer has now become a leading cancer affecting both men and women in the country.
Dr. Perera warned of a concerning rise in colorectal cancer cases both locally and globally, attributing the trend to dietary issues and unhealthy eating habits.
“The increase in colorectal cancer is largely due to problematic dietary patterns in our country,” he added.