Nearly 3,000 colorectal cancer cases have been reported in the country this year, with a noticeable increase among younger age groups.
Regional Director of Health Services Dr. Senaka Thalagala said colorectal cancer is now the second most common cancer among men and the third most common among women in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Hasarali Fernando of the National Cancer Control Programme said the disease was previously more common among people over 50. However, recent data show a clear shift, with more younger adults being affected.
She stressed that this changing trend highlights the urgent need for early screening, timely diagnosis and greater public awareness. Dr. Fernando also urged people not to ignore warning signs and to seek medical advice early if they experience symptoms.
According to 2022 global cancer data from the World Health Organization, 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer were reported worldwide, making it the second most common cancer globally. The disease accounted for around 900,000 deaths. Lung cancer ranked first globally.
