About 200 children die from cancer annually in Sri Lanka, according to Dr. Suraj Perera, a community medicine specialist at the National Cancer Control Program.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Perera emphasized that this situation can be minimized if patients receive timely and proper medical treatment.
“In 2022, out of all cancer patients diagnosed, 904 were pediatric cancer patients. Looking at data from the past 15 years, it is evident that there has been no significant increase in pediatric cancer. On average, the number of cases has remained within the range of 600, 700, or 800. However, in recent years, the figure has risen to around 900 cases annually,” he explained.
He further noted that according to the Registrar General’s Department, around 200 deaths were reported due to pediatric cancer in 2019. By 2020, it was confirmed that on average, about 200 children die from cancer each year.
Dr. Perera added that many deaths occur because patients are reported late, despite the possibility of being cured. “These deaths can be further reduced, and complications can be minimized if children are brought in for medical treatment on time,” he stressed.
