Colorectal cancer is among the five most common cancers in Sri Lanka, with an age-standardised incidence rate of 10.2 per 100,000 reported in 2019. When prompted with symptom-related statements, 365 (72.1%) also identified bleeding from the back passage as signs of colorectal cancer. With regard to ‘commonly recognised’ risk factors and awareness of risk factors, the study had found:Nearly half – 224 or 44.3% could not identify any colorectal risk factors unprompted. The study has suggested the integrating of colorectal cancer literacy into national Non-Communicable Disorders (NCD) programmes. Future policies should prioritise awareness-building as a ‘cornerstone’ of cancer control in resource-limited settings like Sri Lanka,” adds Prof. Wickramasinghe.

Source: Sunday Times January 04, 2026 07:01 UTC