Lung cancer remains one of the world's deadliest and most common forms of cancer, with more than 2,100 cases reported in Sri Lanka in a single year, according to the National Cancer Control Programme.

Community Physician Specialist Dr. Hasarali Fernando said lung cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, making early detection critical in improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.

Statistics from Sri Lanka's National Cancer Registry show that 39,658 cancer patients were reported in 2023. Of these, more than 18,000 cases were recorded among men, while approximately 21,500 cases were reported among women.

Among the total cancer burden, 2,142 cases were identified as lung cancer. The figures reveal a significant gender disparity, with 1,521 cases reported among men compared to 621 among women.

The data also places lung cancer among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Sri Lankan men. According to health officials, oral cancer remains the most common cancer affecting men, followed by prostate-related cancers, with lung cancer ranking third.

Perhaps most concerning is the fact that lung cancer accounts for around 12 percent of all cancers diagnosed among men in Sri Lanka, underscoring its growing impact on public health.

Despite its reputation as one of the most feared cancers, medical experts stress that lung cancer is not always a death sentence. Fernando emphasized that identifying the disease during its early stages can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.