Colombo (News 1st); There is an alarming surge in cancer patients detected in Sri Lanka daily, warned the Minister of Health.

Director, National Cancer Control Programme, Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana said around 80 cancer patients are detected daily in the country.

15,000 people succumb to cancer annually, she added.

Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana said use of tobacco and alcohol as well as unhealthy diets are main causes for cancer.

In September of 2020 it was reported that 64 Sri Lankans are diagnosed with cancer every day and 38 people die of cancer daily.

In the 2020 News 1st report, Dr. Janaki Vidanapathirana said since 2008, the number of cancer patients reported in Sri Lanka has doubled and 16 percent of the Sri Lankan cancer patients suffer from oral cancer.

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