Specialist doctors at the National Chest Hospital in Welisara have sounded the alarm over a steep rise in lung cancer cases across Sri Lanka, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new patients diagnosed annually.
At a recent media briefing, Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Saman Iddamalgoda said lung cancer is now the second most common cancer among men in the country and ranks among the top ten overall based on 2021 data.
He noted a steady rise in cases over the past five to ten years, affecting both men and women.
Dr. Iddamalgoda identified smoking as the primary cause, but expressed concern over the growing number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers, especially women.
He highlighted indoor air pollution and environmental factors as potential contributors, urging greater public awareness and policy attention.
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