Sri Lanka is witnessing a worrying surge in colorectal cancer cases, with the Health Ministry reporting approximately 3,000 patients affected. Experts emphasize the importance of early detection to improve survival rates.
According to Globocan 2022, colorectal cancer remains a global health concern, with around 1.9 million new cases reported worldwide and over 900,000 deaths annually.
Dr. Hasarali Fernando, a Community Health Specialist from the National Cancer Control Programme, stressed that recognizing symptoms early significantly increases the chances of a complete recovery. She warned that the risk of developing colorectal cancer rises with age, smoking, and alcohol consumption, particularly for individuals over 50.
Meanwhile, Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Wasantha Wijenayake projected that by 2040, colorectal cancer diagnoses could reach 3.5 million worldwide. He explained that after the age of 40, nearly 50% of people may develop polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum. However, he reassured that only around 4% of polyps turn cancerous, and if detected early, they can be removed to prevent the disease from progressing.
Wijenayake further highlighted that one in 23 men and one in 26 women face the risk of developing colorectal cancer, reinforcing the need for regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle to mitigate this growing threat.