The National Cancer Control Programme states that there is an upward trend in the number of lung cancer cases being reported in Sri Lanka recently.
Dr. Saman Iddagoda, a thoracic surgeon at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, points out that there has been an increase of approximately 50% in lung cancer cases since 2010.
He made these remarks while participating in a press conference held at the Health Promotion Bureau. “An analysis of data related to the Welisara Chest Hospital reveals an upward trend in lung cancer cases in Sri Lanka. Specifically, we examined data on lung cancer from the Welisara Chest Hospital alongside records from the National Cancer Control Programme, covering the period from 2010 to 2020. One key finding is a significant increase in lung cancer cases among both men and women in Sri Lanka.
Between 2010 and 2020, the incidence of lung cancer in Sri Lanka has risen by approximately 50% among both men and women. Consequently, lung cancer is emerging as a major type of cancer among men and has entered the list of the ten most common cancers among women. Furthermore, we are observing an increase in lung cancer cases among non-smokers in Sri Lanka—particularly among women who do not smoke.”