Sri Lanka records three oral cancer deaths daily, specialist warns
COLOMBO – An average of three people die from oral cancer every day in Sri Lanka, with tobacco use, betel chewing and alcohol consumption continuing to drive the disease, Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr Thanuja Dakshini Pathiraja said.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr Pathiraja said oral cancer remains the most common cancer among men in Sri Lanka and is also among the ten most frequently diagnosed cancers in women.
She said the leading risk factors for the disease are tobacco use, cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. She also warned that areca nut, commonly chewed with betel leaves, contains carcinogenic substances that significantly increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
Dr Pathiraja identified several occupational groups as being particularly vulnerable, including plantation workers, fishermen, gem and mining workers, and drivers.
She said the physical demands, stress and fatigue associated with these occupations often lead individuals to adopt habits such as betel chewing, tobacco use and cigarette smoking as coping mechanisms, increasing their exposure to oral cancer risk factors.
Health authorities urged the public to avoid tobacco, betel chewing and excessive alcohol consumption, while encouraging people to seek medical attention if they notice persistent ulcers, lumps, white or red patches, or any other unusual changes in the mouth.
They stressed that early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce deaths from the disease.
-ENCL
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