33,000 new cancer cases, 19,000 deaths last year

• Oral cancer is most common in men, while breast cancer is the leading type in women

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Health authorities in Sri Lanka have raised concerns over a significant increase in cancer cases, with over 33,000 new diagnoses and 19,000 deaths recorded last year.   

Speaking at the 21st Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO), held recently in Colombo, Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala revealed that oral cancer is the most common diagnosis among men, while breast cancer leads among women.   

Dr. Mahipala highlighted the global and local burden of cancer, warning that cases worldwide are expected to rise by 77% by 2050, particularly in lower-income countries.   

He stressed the importance of reducing risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, noting that most cancers can be prevented through lifestyle changes, with only a small percentage attributed to genetic factors.   

“Global cancer statistics from 2022 showed nearly 20 million new cases and close to 10 million deaths. In Sri Lanka, breast, oral, lung, and colorectal cancers are the most deadly. Last year alone, 4,555 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, while 1,990 men were found to have oral cancer,” Dr. Mahipala stated.