SLCS to mark `No Tobacco Day' with special programs

by Ananda KANNANGARA

A new program under the theme `The Tobacco Epidemic and the Prevention of Cancer' will be conducted by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society (SLCS) for the benefit of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the northern districts shortly.

The SLCS is expected to hold the cancer eradication program to coincide with the `No Tobacco Day' which falls on Sunday, May 31.

Prior to this program, the SLCS will conduct several programs in Colombo next Sunday to mark the day.

SLCS Education Committee, Chairman Walter Ladduwahetty told the Sunday Observer that a cancer prevention program must be conducted for IDPs is essential since majority of them are not aware of the negative side of tobacco.

He pointed out that in 2000, over 10 million new cancer cases were reported with 5.2 million deaths. By the year 2020, it is estimated to go up to 20 million.

He said the SLCS will display over 1,000 posters all over the city of Colombo and the suburbs next Sunday to educate people on the dangers of tobacco.

The program will be broadcast by the SLBC on May 31 and a TV program will be telecast on Swarnavahini on the same day.