Sri Lanka’s main Cancer Early Detection Centre has been relocated to new premises today, with plans to establish similar facilities in every district in the future, Deputy Health Minister Hansaka Wijemuni announced.
The new centre is housed in the Outpatients Department building of the National Hospital in Colombo and joins six other centres already operating at major hospitals across the country, including Jaffna, Batticaloa, Badulla, Ratnapura, and Matara.
Focusing on early detection of breast, cervical, and oral cancers, the centre immediately refers patients for specialized treatment upon diagnosis. Since its establishment in 2004 with Rotary support, it has screened nearly one million people and identified 104 new cancer patients last year alone. The centre is equipped with modern facilities and operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Deputy Minister Wijemuni highlighted that cancer is a major health challenge in Sri Lanka, with around 100 new cases reported daily and 40 deaths each day. He stressed the importance of prevention, citing diet, environmental factors, and chemical exposure, and called for inter-ministerial collaboration to address these risks. He also thanked Rotary for its continued support.
Oral cancer, largely caused by betel chewing, smoking, and alcohol, is most common among men, with 10 new cases and 3 deaths daily. Cervical cancer remains prevalent among women but is preventable through HPV vaccination, safe sexual practices, and regular Pap tests. Breast cancer affects 15 women daily, with 3 deaths, though early detection can ensure full recovery.
The inauguration was attended by WHO Representative Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, senior Health Ministry and National Hospital officials, directors of the National Cancer Control Programme, medical specialists, and Rotary leaders, highlighting the centre’s key role in Sri Lanka’s cancer care system.
