Over 18,000 new cancer patients annually

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Maharagama National Cancer Institute (NCI) yesterday expressed concern over 18,000 new cancer patients seek treatment from the hospital every year.

Hospital officials said authorities should carry out more awareness programs on the negative side of smoking to reduce this number in the future.

According to NCI statistics, over 72 percent of the patients seeking hospital treatment for oral and lung cancers are smokers. The others seek treatment for heart diseases and various other ailments, also caused by the use of tobacco-related products. NCI, Medical Officer, Dr. Samadhi Rajapaksa told the Sunday Observer that smoking among the younger generation in the country has declined to some extent compared to the past.

"But, as medical officers, we cannot be satisfied with the present situation, considering the increasing number of patients seeking treatment from our hospital for cancer almost everyday.

Quoting statistics issued by National Alcohol and Tobacco Authority Chairman Prof. Carlo Fonseka, Dr. Rajapaksa said 22,000 Sri Lankans die of smoking-related causes annually.

He said the NCI has already launched a program to discourage people, especially the younger generation, from smoking.

If all sectors in society such as the clergy, politicians, teachers, medical and law professionals and also parents of young males extend their co-operation, we could make this program a success, Dr. Rajapaksa said.