Lung cancer rate in Sri Lanka is a threat

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Health authorities in Sri Lanka report a steady increase in lung cancer cases, posing a growing concern for the country’s public health system. Recent statistics indicate that between 2,500 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer annually, with numbers rising year by year.

At a press conference held at the National Respiratory Hospital in Welisara, specialists emphasized the growing prevalence of lung cancer not only among men—traditionally the more affected group—but also increasingly among women. Experts call for wider public awareness and preventive measures to curb the trend.

Women Also at Risk: Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Under Scrutiny

While smoking continues to be identified as the primary cause of lung cancer, medical professionals have observed a worrying increase in cases among non-smokers, especially women. This shift points to environmental triggers, such as air pollution, as potential contributors.

“Changes in lifestyle, second-hand smoke exposure, and deteriorating air quality may all play a role,” experts noted at the Welisara briefing. They stressed the need for targeted research to better understand these trends and inform future health policies.

Cancer Prevalence: Expert Insights

Dr. Saman Iddagoda, a thoracic surgeon at the National Respiratory Hospital, revealed that oral and maxillofacial cancers remain the most commonly diagnosed in Sri Lanka, followed closely by lung cancer among men.

He attributed the high rate of oral cancers to betel nut and tobacco use, while smoking remains the dominant cause of lung cancer. However, Dr. Iddagoda also acknowledged a 5 to 10-year upward trend in lung cancer cases, reinforcing the need to explore additional risk factors beyond tobacco.

Emerging Challenges: Lung Cancer Among Non-Smokers

While tobacco remains a major driver, an emerging concern is the growing number of lung cancer cases in non-smokers. Studies suggest that long-term exposure to air pollutants such as PM2.5, vehicle emissions, and industrial smoke can significantly raise cancer risks.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Family history of cancer

• Exposure to carcinogens like asbestos or radon

• Pre-existing lung diseases, such as COPD

Medical professionals are calling for national-level initiatives to combat air pollution and monitor environmental health risks more closely.

Prevention and Early Detection Remain Key

Health experts continue to underscore that the most effective way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid smoking. Public education, particularly targeting youth, and accessible cessation programs are crucial.

Encouragingly, studies show that former smokers can reduce their risk to that of non-smokers within 10 years of quitting. This makes early intervention and community outreach especially important.

As the disease also affects non-smokers, air quality improvement, urban planning reforms, and emission control policies are increasingly vital in long-term cancer prevention strategies.

Sri Lanka’s rise in lung cancer cases—among both smokers and non-smokers—highlights the urgency for public health reforms, environmental regulation, and medical research. With early detection and preventive action, many of these cases could be avoided.

This report has been filed by Colin Harishchandra for DXB News Network, in alignment with UAE media reporting standards.

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