In alignment with Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus held a special session on breast cancer prevention on October 9 in Parliament.
The session, chaired temporarily by Hon. MP Samanmali Gunasingha, featured briefings from the Director of the National Cancer Control Program and other medical professionals, highlighting that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women globally. In Sri Lanka, about 15 new cases are diagnosed daily, with three deaths reported each day.
Doctors emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, including breast self-examinations alongside medical screenings. Awareness initiatives, such as “Pink Wednesday” at Colombo Musaeus College—where students wear pink ties—are already being implemented at the school level, and the Caucus plans to expand such programs nationwide.
In support of the cause, it was decided that MPs and parliamentary staff will wear pink on a selected day during the next parliamentary week, and a debate on breast cancer awareness will be requested in Parliament. The Caucus also plans to engage schools and conduct an awareness program for parliamentary staff.
Participants included Hon. Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, MPs Krishnan Kalaichelvi, Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Chathuri Gangani, Thushari Jayasinghe, and medical professionals from the National Cancer Control Program.
