An islandwide breast cancer awareness programme will be held on 2 November under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus and the Ministry of Health to promote early detection.

Around 6,000 new breast cancer cases are reported in Sri Lanka each year, while approximately 1,000 women die from the disease annually, according to Parliament’s Department of Communication.

Women MPs are expected to organise health clinics and awareness programmes at electorate and district levels.

The programme will encourage women, particularly those in rural, plantation and underserved communities, to attend Suwanari Clinics and designated cancer early-detection centres.

Officials also discussed plans to refer all women aged 35–45 for screening next year, as well as conducting cervical cancer awareness programmes in January.