An estimated 200 children die from cancer annually in Sri Lanka, a figure that could be significantly reduced through timely diagnosis and proper treatment, a senior health official has said.
Dr. Suraj Perera, Consultant Community Physician with the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), revealed the figures during a media briefing organized by the Health Promotion Bureau.
“In 2022, 904 children were diagnosed with cancer. Over the past 15 years, the number of annual childhood cancer cases has typically ranged between 600 and 800. We are now seeing around 900 cases per year,” he said.
Dr. Perera stressed that many of the deaths occur due to delayed diagnosis and lack of access to timely medical care.
According to data from the Department of the Registrar General, approximately 200 children died from cancer in 2019, and recent years show a similar trend.
“These are not just statistics. Some of these children could have survived with early detection and appropriate treatment,” Dr. Perera added, urging parents and caregivers to seek medical attention at the first signs of illness.
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