Fighting cancer: Rotary joins hands with NCCP

The Rotary Club of Colombo launched a life-saving project by setting up the 'Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Centre seven years ago, in partnership with the Health Ministry National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

The project is supported by Dialog Axiata PLC and several other donors.

The ‘Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Centre

The centre is in Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5 and the only national facility dedicated to providing screening and early detection of cancer, entirely free of charge.

Services provided by a team of doctors and nurses from the NCCP, include consultation, screening, diagnosis, and counseling. Those found positive are referred to the Cancer Hospital Maharagama for treatment.

The centre screens for several cancers, including breast cancer through mammography screening, cervical cancer through cytoscreening and oral cancer through a recently set up oral cancer screening facility.

Upto date, almost 12,000 persons have been screened and several thousand detected showing signs requiring further investigation, and including some full blown cases of cancer.

This fact highlights the need of screening and early detection, particularly breast cancer which accounts for 25 percent of all cancers in Sri Lanka, and is the highest cause of death in women in the age group 40 to 50.

The mammography machine donated by the Rotary Club of Birmingham Alabama USA, and commissioned by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has helped detect breast cancer cases at an early stage.

An ultra sound scanning machine is to be installed shortly, also donated by the Rotary Club of Birmingham USA. This will further enhance the screening and early detection process by improving the sensitivity of mammography.

The centre carries out a comprehensive programme of awareness building and education in Colombo as well as around the country in work places, schools and medical establishments as well as participating in public events.

The mobile screening unit has enabled the centre to reach rural areas. Meanwhile,the Rotary Club of Colombo plans to focus on the prevention of cancer as well as Non Communicable Diseases as a whole, through a campaign both in Colombo and outside, highlighting the need for screening and early detection , as well as emphasizing the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, to prevent this disease. This programme will be planned with the NCCP and in consultation with the NCD unit of the Health Ministry and WHO.