Medical specialists have cautioned the public against the widespread misconception that only smokers are at risk of developing lung cancer, warning that this belief is contributing to late diagnoses and reduced chances of effective treatment.
Speaking at a media briefing organised by the Health Promotion Bureau on Wednesday (30), doctors emphasised the urgent need for greater public awareness and early detection.
Dr. Eshanth Perera, a chest specialist at the Welisara Chest Hospital, underscored that persistent coughing, even when painless, should not be ignored.
“A cough might seem harmless, but it can be an early sign of serious conditions, including infections and cancer,” he said.
Thoracic surgeon Dr. Saman Iddagoda, also of the Welisara Chest Hospital, pointed out that lung cancer is the second most common cancer among Sri Lankan men. However, public attention to the issue remains insufficient, he said.
Citing data from the National Cancer Registry, Dr. Iddagoda noted that over 2,000 new lung cancer cases were reported in 2021.
Alarmingly, over 90% of all cancer patients, including those with lung cancer, had received only palliative care, largely due to delayed diagnosis.
Common symptoms of lung cancer include chronic coughing, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
Doctors urged the public to remain vigilant and seek medical advice early, regardless of smoking history, as early detection remains key to improving survival outcomes.
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