The Hon. (Mrs.) Saroja Savithri Paulraj - Minister of Women and Child Affairs

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Presiding Member. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In Sri Lanka, 26% of female cancers are breast cancer. Around 15 new patients are identified daily, and three die each day. It is the most common cancer among Sri Lankan women. While breast cancer can be prevented or cured with 100% success when detected early, three women dying daily is tragic. We must raise awareness urgently.

¶ 02 The highest mortality risk is among women aged roughly 40–69. In 2020, 792 breast cancer deaths were recorded, including 19 men—so while risk is greatest among women, men can also be affected. Of the 792, 773 were women. The foremost non-modifiable risk factor is being female; thus our awareness focus must be on women.

¶ 03 I also wish to acknowledge the Indira Cancer Trust—named after the late Indira Jayasuriya—for invaluable services: supplying wigs to indigent patients, counselling, and awareness programs, empowering patients psychologically. Today, in partnership with the National Cancer Control Programme and Parliament, they supported our pink-themed awareness initiative.

¶ 04 Internationally, a well-known example is actress Angelina Jolie, who, after discovering a BRCA gene mutation with an 87–90% lifetime breast cancer risk, opted for preventive double mastectomy, reducing her risk to under 5%. Her message—that early detection and proactive choices save lives, and that life matters more than appearance—should inspire women. All women over 20 should practice TLC—Touch, Look, Check—self-exams and seek timely clinical assessment.

¶ 05 In Sri Lanka, services are available through Suwanari (well-women) clinics in the public system. Let us detect early for a healthy life. Thank you.