The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, is set to launch an islandwide initiative on November 2 to promote early detection of breast cancer and strengthen public awareness across Sri Lanka. The decision was formalized during a recent Caucus meeting presided over by its Chairperson, Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj.
During the session, Ministry of Health officials highlighted the urgent need for timely screening, noting that approximately 6,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed in the country each year, resulting in around 1,000 annual fatalities. While the disease can be treated successfully if caught in its initial stages, health authorities emphasized that pervasive issues such as fear, embarrassment, and an absence of awareness frequently prevent women from seeking medical consultation promptly.
To combat these barriers, female Members of Parliament will actively lead and coordinate health clinics and informational programmes at both district and electorate levels starting November 2. The drive will also commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with women MPs, university students, and schoolchildren encouraged to wear pink ribbons, wristbands, and attire to boost visibility and open public dialogue.
Key Developments
- Launch Date and Leadership: Islandwide rollout begins November 2 under the guidance of Caucus Chairperson Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj and the Ministry of Health.
- Critical Health Statistics: Around 6,000 new breast cancer cases and 1,000 deaths are reported annually in Sri Lanka.
- Targeted Demographics: Dedicated focus on rural communities, plantation sectors, and urban high-rise housing complexes to drive visits to Suwanari Clinics.
- Clinic Attendance Deficit: Current figures show only about 50 percent of women aged 35 to 45 attend Suwanari Clinics, prompting an aggressive push to optimize visits to designated early-detection centres.
- Future Screening Mandate: A comprehensive programme is scheduled for next year to refer all women aged 35 to 45 for specialized screening tests.
Next year’s expanded initiative will mobilize local networks, incorporating women’s societies active at the Grama Niladhari division level. By collaborating with grassroots organizations and regional health stakeholders, the programme aims to significantly broaden screening coverage and ensure that vulnerable populations access early detection services without delay.