Today (February 4), World Cancer Day, marks the second-highest cause of death from non-communicable diseases globally.
According to a study by the British Medical Journal, cancer incidence has increased among people under the age of 50.
Global increase of 77% by 2050
The World Health Organization expects the number of new cancer cases to increase by 77% by 2050.
The increase is expected to be higher in low- and middle-income countries.
Population aging, tobacco and alcohol use, and obesity are some of the main factors contributing to this situation.
In 2022, there were 20 million new cases of cancer worldwide, making it the second leading cause of death globally.
A blood test that can detect 50 types of cancer
In the same year, 9.7 million cancer-related deaths were reported, of which 1.8 million were due to lung cancer.
That accounts for 18.7% of all deaths that year.
Lung cancer is the most commonly reported cancer globally, followed by breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Globally, cancer rates among people under 50 are rising
A study by the British cancer journal BMJ Oncology found that cancer rates among people under 50 increased by 79% between 1990 and 2019.
Another finding is that cancer-related deaths in this age group have increased by 28% from 1990 to 2019.
In this research, they observed 29 types of cancer in 204 countries.
A recent report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) shows that the rate of breast cancer among white women under the age of 50 increased by 1.4% annually between 2012 and 2021, compared to 0.7% among women over the age of 50.
Cancers of the upper part of the throat, stomach cancer, and rectal cancer are more commonly reported among young adults, the British Journal of Cancer further explains.
Dr. Buddhika Somawardena, a specialist in blood cancers at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama, said at a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau on January 29 that when examining data for the three decades from 1990 to 2020, it is apparent that about one million cancer patients under the age of 50 are dying every year.
Cancer cases reported in Sri Lanka
At a media briefing held at the Health Promotion Bureau, Community Health Medical Specialist of the National Cancer Control Program, Hasareli Fernando, pointed out that the number of new cancer cases reported in Sri Lanka in 2021 was 37,753.
Of these, 17,582 were males and 20,171 were females.
According to data released by the National Cancer Control Program, the number of new cancer cases has gradually increased from 2005 to 2021.
So far, the National Cancer Control Program has only released data up to 2021 as national data, and a report released by the Communicable Diseases Unit of the Ministry of Health states that the number of new cancer cases reported in 2022 was 33,243.
Dr. Hasareli also explained the most commonly reported cancers among cancer patients in Sri Lanka.
“Oral cancer is the most commonly reported cancer among men in Sri Lanka. Next are lung cancers,” the doctor explained.
She said that colorectal and rectal cancers are the third most reported among men.
Looking at the data, the most common cancers in Sri Lanka are reported in women, and breast cancer is the most common among women, says Dr. Hasareli.
Then, the number of reported cancers related to the thyroid gland is high, and the third most reported cancers related to the colon and rectum are high.
Why are cancer reports increasing?
According to the British Journal of Cancer and The Lancet, one of the reasons for the increase in the incidence of cancer is unhealthy eating habits.
Furthermore, the World Health Organization says that obesity and hormonal dysfunction increase the risk of cancer.
Dr. Buddhika Somawardhana, a specialist in blood cancer, also explained several reasons for the increase in cancer.
“The reason for the increase in cancer is that the world’s population is aging day by day,” he said.
“Sri Lanka is one of the fastest-aging countries in South Asia. The population over 60 years of age in Sri Lanka is increasing rapidly. It is currently estimated that 25% of Sri Lankans over 60 years of age will be diagnosed with cancer by 2040.”
He said that the risk of developing cancer increases with age.
In addition, he said that early detection of cancers that could have been detected later is a reason for the increase in cancer cases, as early detection capabilities have improved today.
“It has also been observed that cancer is increasing rapidly among people under 50 years of age. This is a very complex issue,” the doctor said.
“It can be pointed out that the main causes are alcohol consumption, tobacco and drug use, and smoking. Another major factor is living an inactive and sedentary lifestyle.”
In addition, he pointed out that not eating a balanced diet, changing dietary patterns, and obesity are also factors that contribute to the development of cancer among people under the age of 50.
How to detect it early?
Specialist Dr. Buddhika Somawardena also explained the symptoms that can be detected early in the common cancers among Sri Lankans.
He explained the following symptoms as indicators of potential cancer:
Oral cancer
- White or red patches
- Bumps/lumps
- Tongue thickening and changes
- Persistent, non-healing sores
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty chewing
- Unexplained loose teeth
- Changes in voice
- Swelling in the neck
Lung cancer
- Persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Chest or shoulder pain
- Difficulty breathing
- New onset of asthma attacks
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
Intestinal and rectal cancer
- Change in bowel habits
- Change in stool quality
- Blood in stools
- Abdominal pain
Esophageal cancer
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain when eating
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Black stools
- Long-standing indigestion
Breast cancer
- A lump in the breast
- Breast skin lesions
- Changes in the nipple
- Changes in the shape of the breasts
- Lumps or swelling in the armpit
- Discharge from the nipple
Thyroid cancer
- Swelling in the throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Change in voice
The doctor advised that if such symptoms are observed, one should immediately consult a qualified doctor.
He said that if cancer is detected early by consulting a doctor as soon as symptoms appear, some cancers can be completely cured.
Cancer can be prevented and cured completely
Community Health Specialist Hasareli Fernando pointed out that one-third of the most common cancers among Sri Lankans can be prevented and one-third can be detected early.
“We can prevent between 30% and 50% of cases by following the right health habits,” she said.
She outlined some health habits that should be followed:
- Avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing tobacco, and betel leaves
- Minimizing fast food, processed meats, and red meat
- Exercising for half an hour a day, five days a week
- Practicing safe sex
The doctor said that one-third of cancers can be cured by detecting cancer at an early stage.
“Cancers like breast cancer can be cured by detecting them early. All women over the age of 20 can detect changes in their breasts by carefully examining their breasts on a specific day of the month,” says Dr. Hasareli.
Where should you go to get cancer diagnosed?
The facilities available for diagnosing cancer were explained at the National Cancer Control Program’s media briefing.
Accordingly, free cancer screening is available at the following locations:
- Suwanari Clinics (1,000 clinics at MOH offices)
- Navadevi Clinics (1,200 clinics in government hospitals)
- Cancer Early Detection Centers (Narahenpita, Matara, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Ratnapura)
- Breast Cancer Clinics (26 centers nationwide)
Additionally, screenings can be done at any government hospital or surgical clinic.
