Medical specialists noted that although lung cancer is predominantly attributed to smoking, the notion that one cannot get lung cancer if they do not smoke is inaccurate. They cautioned that this erroneous belief prevents people from seeking necessary tests or treatment early, allowing the cancer to worsen.

These challenges were discussed during a press briefing held yesterday (30) by the Health Promotion Bureau where the need to disseminate accurate information about the disease was discussed. The event was organised in observance of the World Lung Cancer Day, which falls tomorrow (1 August).

During the discussion, chest specialist at the Welisara Chest Hospital, Dr. Eshanth Perera said: “Coughing is a symptom that people underestimate despite needing to take it seriously. A cough can be painless. However, it can be caused by both minor health issues such as a cold, and serious conditions such as infections or cancer.”

Meanwhile, thoracic surgeon of the same hospital, Dr. Saman Iddagoda noted that although lung cancer remains the second most common type of cancer among men in Sri Lanka, a lack of attention to the issue has been observed. He highlighted that according to the National Cancer Registry 2021, over 2,000 new cases of lung cancer had been reported that year, and that overall, data based on statistics from key hospitals in Sri Lanka have shown a clear increase in lung cancer. He added that a 2021 survey had shown that over 90% of patients who received treatment for cancer, including lung cancer, were treated with palliative intent (a medical approach focused on relieving symptoms and providing comfort rather than curing the disease), as they had sought treatment at a later stage of cancer.

Chronic coughing, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, and chest pain are among the key symptoms of lung cancer.