World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Lung cancer diagnoses surge across Sri Lanka in past decade
Sri Lanka has witnessed a near doubling of lung cancer cases over the past ten years, with medical specialists raising concerns about rising incidence rates among both men and women. Health authorities are urging greater vigilance and preventive measures to address the growing burden of disease.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Lung cancer cases in Sri Lanka have nearly doubled in the past decade, according to analysis of data from major respiratory and oncology institutions. The rising prevalence of the disease has prompted health experts to warn of an emerging public health challenge requiring urgent attention and intervention.
Dr. Saman Iddagoda, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, highlighted the concerning trend through a review of records from leading national respiratory and cancer treatment facilities. The data reveals that both men and women are experiencing increased diagnoses, suggesting the problem extends across demographic groups rather than being concentrated in any single population segment.
Healthcare professionals have attributed the increase to multiple factors, though the full analysis of contributing causes remains ongoing. Experts have called for enhanced public awareness campaigns, improved screening protocols, and continued research into the epidemiological drivers of the disease in the Sri Lankan context.
The surge in cases has placed additional pressure on the country's healthcare infrastructure, particularly specialised respiratory and oncology departments. Medical authorities have indicated that addressing the rising burden will require coordinated efforts across prevention, early detection, and treatment services.