Sri Lanka records approximately 2,000 new blood cancer cases annually, according to the Blood Cancer Unit at Apeksha Hospital.

Consultant Specialist Buddhika Somawardhana said the country currently has an estimated 15,000 to 18,000 people living with blood cancers, highlighting the growing burden on the healthcare system.

Despite the significant number of patients requiring treatment and long-term care, Dr. Somawardhana warned of a major shortage of medical expertise in the field.

At present, only four specialist doctors are available across the country to treat blood cancer patients.