The National Cancer Control Programme says that around three people in Sri Lanka die every day from breast cancer.
Its Director, Dr. Senaka Thalagala, said that more than 6,000 breast cancer cases are reported in the country annually.
Dr. Thalagala made these remarks while participating in a programme on the Colombo Municipal Council’s cancer control programme.
He said breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Sri Lanka, particularly among women.
More than 6,000 breast cancer cases are reported each year, while more than 1,000 people die from the disease annually, he said.
Accordingly, around 17 new breast cancer cases are reported and approximately three people die from the disease every day, Dr. Thalagala stated.
He stressed the importance of detecting the disease at an early stage, obtaining appropriate treatment, following up with patients and providing them with proper care.
However, he noted that many patients unfortunately seek medical attention only after their symptoms have become clearly apparent. At that stage, achieving successful treatment outcomes can be more difficult, he added.
