The National Cancer Control Programme has reported a rising trend in lung cancer cases in Sri Lanka, with the number of patients increasing by approximately 50% between 2010 and 2020.
Consultant Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Saman Iddagoda of the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases stated that lung cancer is becoming one of the leading cancer types among men in the country. It is also emerging among the ten most common cancers affecting women.
Meanwhile, Community Medical Specialist Dr. Hasarali Fernando of the National Cancer Control Programme identified smoking as the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Other contributing factors include second-hand smoke, air pollution and indoor smoke caused by the use of firewood and kerosene.
She further highlighted that exposure to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, silica and radon can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer.
