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Sri Lanka, October 17 – Each year, October is recognized as Global Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as ‘Pink Month.’ In alignment with this, a dedicated awareness event focusing on breast cancer prevention and associated initiatives was recently conducted in Parliament for the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.

The gathering took place with the support of MP Samanmali Gunasingha, who was temporarily assigned as Chairperson of the Caucus because the regular Chairperson, Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj, was abroad. During the meeting, the Director of the National Cancer Control Programme, together with other healthcare experts, provided information to the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus about preventing breast cancer.

They pointed out that breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally. In Sri Lanka, approximately 15 new cases are identified each day, and around three fatalities occur daily. The medical professionals emphasized that early identification and intervention for breast cancer can result in a cure, and they also underscored the significance of performing breast self-examinations alongside regular medical check-ups.

It was also disclosed that awareness initiatives have commenced at the educational level in Sri Lanka. Under an initiative named ‘Pink Wednesday,’ a campaign aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer was introduced for the first time at Colombo Musaeus College, with backing from multiple organizations. As a result, students at the school don pink ties on the first Wednesday of each month to show their support for this initiative. The participants emphasized the importance of extending this awareness and the programs throughout the country.

It was determined that during the upcoming Parliamentary week, on a chosen day, all Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff will wear pink to show support for the initiative. They also consented to ask for permission to hold a discussion on this topic within Parliament.

It was also agreed to send a letter to the Ministry of Education, asking all schools to increase student awareness about this topic during their morning assemblies. Furthermore, the Caucus chose to organize an educational program focused on breast cancer prevention for the parliamentary staff.

Participants in the session included members of the Caucus, Deputy Minister Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, MPs Krishnan Kalaichelvi, Nilanthi Kottahachchi, Chathuri Gangani, Thushari Jayasinghe, and a team of doctors, among them the Director of the National Cancer Prevention Programme.