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Breast cancer a leading cause of death in Sri Lanka, experts warn

Published

5 months ago

2024/10/5

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Around 70 percent of annual cancer-related deaths occur in lower-middle-income countries, with breast cancer being one of the leading causes, according to Dr. Buddhini Denuwara, Senior Registrar in Community Medicine (Department of Nutrition) at the Ministry of Health. Speaking in a recent televised interview, Dr. Denuwara highlighted the urgency of addressing the rising incidence of cancer in Sri Lanka.

“Each year, we identify approximately 37,000 cancer patients in the country, which equates to an average of 103 new cases per day. Among these, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, accounting for about 5,000 cases annually. Prevention should be a priority,” she said.

Dr. Denuwara noted that the cancer incidence rate has increased significantly over the years. “In 2005, we recorded 18.4 cancer patients per 100,000 people. This number rose to 24.3 in 2014 and further increased to 34.9 in 2019.”

She emphasised that the risk of breast cancer grows as women age, with the majority of cases being detected between the ages of 50 and 54. “Only about one-third of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women under 50 years old. Annually, breast cancer claims around 700 lives in Sri Lanka. We can reduce these deaths by improving early detection and increasing public understanding,” Dr. Denuwara added.

In addition to early detection, women with a family history of breast cancer should be particularly vigilant, advised Dr. Asanka Gamage, Consultant Oncologist at Hambantota District General Hospital.

“Women with a family history should follow screening guidelines closely and consider genetic testing. Several key genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of breast cancer,” she explained.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are known as tumour suppressor genes, which play a crucial role in repairing DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Although everyone has these genes, certain mutations can impair their ability to prevent cancer, leading to a heightened risk.

“A small percentage of the population, approximately one in 400 people, carry a mutation in one of these genes. Women with a BRCA1 mutation have a 55-65% chance of developing breast cancer before the age of 70, while those with a BRCA2 mutation have a 45% chance,” Dr. Gamage explained.

She also pointed out the hormonal factors that may contribute to breast cancer risk. “Women who have been exposed to high levels of hormones over long periods, such as those who started menstruation early or experienced menopause later than average, are at greater risk.”

Dr. Gamage noted that pregnancy can lower the risk of breast cancer as it halts the menstrual cycle for about 18 months, reducing exposure to hormonal fluctuations.

“Other risk factors include ageing, obesity, unhealthy eating habits, smoking, and lack of exercise,” she added, stressing the importance of lifestyle changes in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer.

The growing incidence of cancer, particularly breast cancer, underscores the need for greater public awareness, early screening, and preventive measures in Sri Lanka.

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Our government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy, recognizing their vital role in national development. – Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

Published

6 hours ago

2025/03/15

Priyan

“Women play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Yet, despite their immense contribution, structural barriers continue to limit their full participation in the economy. Our government is committed to breaking these barriers by fostering an inclusive economic environment where women can thrive as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and exporters.” Said Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya

The Prime Minister made this statement while addressing the launching the She Trades Sri Lanka Hub funded by the UK’s She Trades Commonwealth+ Program held at Galle face Hotel in Colombo on March 14 organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

While addressing the audience, the Prime minister stated, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to breaking barriers that limit women’s full participation in the economy, recognizing their vital role in national development. Emphasizing gender-inclusive policies, financial inclusion, and access to global markets, authorities are prioritizing support for women-led businesses in key sectors such as ICT, agribusiness, and engineering.

A new initiative will establish 200 women-led cooperatives, fostering supportive environments for female entrepreneurs. Additionally, efforts to strengthen childcare, elderly care, and disability services aim to reduce the burdens that limit women’s economic participation.

A dedicated platform has been launched to provide women entrepreneurs with knowledge, networking, and international trade opportunities. Strengthening public-private partnerships and expanding global market access are key strategies to create an inclusive and sustainable trade ecosystem.

By equipping women with the necessary skills, financial resources, and digital trade access, the government aims to ensure that women entrepreneurs become key drivers of economic growth, aligning with broader policies for inclusive and sustainable development.

The event was attended by Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Center, His Excellency Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Officials from the International Trade Center and the British High Commission in Sri Lanka, Chairman of the Export Development Board Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe and Officials from Export Development Board and International Trade Centre and woman Entrepreneurs.

(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

News

Batalanda Commission report tabled … finally

Published

11 hours ago

2025/03/15

Thilina Walpola

by Saman Indrajith

TheBatalanda Presidential Co-mission report was tabled in Parliament yesterday (14) by the Leader of the House and Transport Minister, Bimal Ratnayake.

Minister Ratnayake announced that the government has decided to forward the report to the Attorney General for legal advice. Additionally, a Presidential Committee will be appointed to provide guidance and recommendations on how to proceed with the findings of the report.

Ratnayake said that the Cabinet-of-Ministers, along with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has made a policy decision to take necessary action in response to the report. He reassured the public that steps are being taken to ensure that such a dark chapter in the country’s history is never repeated.

Minister Ratnayake said that a two-day debate on the Batalanda Commission report will be scheduled in Parliament at an appropriate time, allowing for a detailed discussion on the report’s findings and recommendations.

The report, which will be printed in all three official languages—Sinhala, Tamil, and English—will be made available to the public in the near future. Ratnayake confirmed that printed copies would be provided to Members of Parliament, as well as the general public, for review.

The Leader of the House revealed that there are 28 evidence volumes associated with the Commission’s work, which will be submitted to Parliament at a later date for further scrutiny.

Ratnayake said that as the entire country is concerned about the findings of the Batalanda Commission, the government’s commitment to addressing the issues raised, and preventing future atrocities, stands clear. The next steps, including legal action and policy recommendations, will be shaped by expert advice and informed parliamentary discussions, he said.

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COPE finds fake documents submitted for emergency procurement of drugs

Published

11 hours ago

2025/03/15

Thilina Walpola

The Parliamentary watchdog Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has found that there were fake documents regarding the importing of medicines under the emergency procurement system in 2022 and 2023.

This was revealed during a COPE meeting held at Parliament probing the transactions of the National Medicine Regulatory Authority (NMRA).

NMRA CEO Saveen Semage told the Committee that several fake documents have been found due to the lack of registration of medicines.

Stating that six such fake documents were found last year alone, Saveen Semage said he had recorded statements regarding each of the documents with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division.

He revealed that, however, no investigations have been conducted yet into the incidents.

“We have documents with confessions from a woman accepting that fake documents had been made. However, a statement has not even been recorded from that woman yet,” he said.

Meanwhile, COPE member MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana also revealed that the highest number of waive-off registrations (WOR) for medicines had been obtained in 2022 and 2023.

He said 656 waive-off registrations (WOR) had been obtained in 2022 and 261 in 2023, adding that this proves that discrepancies have taken place during the emergency procurement of medicines during these periods.

Furthermore, Deputy Director General of the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry, Dr. G. Wijesuriya, said discussions are underway on allowing the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) to directly import essential medicines.He pointed out that it was essential to take a policy decision in this regard as a solution to mitigate such discrepancies.