LNP - Breast cancer claims three lives daily in SL- health officials

Sri Lanka sees approximately 15 new breast cancer cases daily, with around three women dying from the disease each day, health authorities revealed yesterday. Speaking at a press briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Shreeni Alahapperuma, Director of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), stated that 19,457 women were diagnosed with cancer in 2022. Of these, 5,477 cases — nearly 28% — were breast cancer. Dr. Alahapperuma emphasized the importance of early detection, noting that about 30% of breast cancer cases are identified at a late stage, which complicates treatment and reduces survival rates. Overall, Sri Lanka records 15,245 cancer-related deaths each year, with breast cancer accounting for 798 of these fatalities. In response, a special awareness campaign will be held on October 11 at Havelock City as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month