Health specialists have sounded a warning after revealing that lung cancer cases across Sri Lanka climbed by roughly 50% between 2010 and 2020. This alarming rise affects both men and women across the island.
The figures were shared by Dr. Saman Iddagoda, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, during a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau. The findings came out of an analysis of records from the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases and the National Cancer Control Programme.
Threat to non-smokers and women
According to Dr. Iddagoda, the disease has become one of the main cancers among males and is now stepping into the list of the 10 most frequent cancers among females. He noted a noticeable rise among individuals who do not smoke, especially women who have never touched a cigarette.
Pollution and other danger factors
Speaking at the same briefing, Dr. Hasarali Fernando, Consultant Community Physician at the National Cancer Control Programme, pointed out that about 90% of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking.
She cautioned that non-smokers face real danger from passive smoking, as well as outdoor pollution caused by factory and vehicle emissions. Cooking smoke from burning firewood and kerosene in poorly ventilated houses adds to indoor air pollution risks.
Dr. Fernando further explained that chronic respiratory issues along with contact with carcinogenic materials like asbestos, silica and radon contribute as extra risk factors.
