Every year approximately 15,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed in Sri Lanka and the number is on the increase. Recognizing this vital need, the Rotary Club of Colombo, has launched the lifesaving project setting up the ‘Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Centre ’ in partnership with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) of the Ministry of Health, a spokesman said.

The ‘World Cancer Day’ was marked around the world on February 04 with the theme “Together it is possible”, targeting to reduce premature deaths from cancer and other Non-communicable Diseases by 25% by 2025.

Today, more people die from cancer than from AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis combined. According to the global cancer control body UICC, each year 12.7 million are diagnosed with cancer, of which 7.6 million people die from the disease-approximately 13% of all deaths globally. If no action is taken, it is expected that this will rise to 26 million diagnosed and 17 million deaths by 2030. But what is vitally important to know is that 30-40% of cancers can be prevented and another one third cured through early detection and treatment. Located centrally, down Elvitigala Mawatha Colombo 5, it is easily accessible to the general public and is the only national facility dedicated to providing screening and early detection of cancer, entirely free of charge. Those found positive are referred to the Cancer Hospital Maharagama for treatment.

Presently the centre screens for several cancers, including breast cancer through mammography screening, cervical cancer through cyto screening and oral cancer through a recently set up oral cancer screening facility. Upto date almost 12000 persons have been screened and several thousand detected showing signs requiring further investigation, and including some full blown cases of cancer.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka