More women seem to be ignorant about the dangers of breast cancer and that early detection would save the breast as well as life, a senior specialist says. Dr (Ms) Shyama Fernando, Senior Medical Officer, Ceylinco Healthcare Centre made these comments on the occasion of the launch of first Specialist Breast Care Unit held at the BMICH this week.

Ceylinco Healthcare Services Ltd (CHSL) has established the Ceylinco Healthcare Centre (CHC) – the country’s first stand-alone cancer detection facility and subsequently established Sri Lanka’s most advanced radiation treatment unit.

R. Renganathan, Deputy Chairman, CHSL said that early detection of breast cancer and correct diagnosis are very vital. He spoke of a recent case where a person had to spend more than Rs 40 million on his mother for extensive medical treatment but she died from breast cancer as the diagnosis was wrong.

He said that 70 percent of cancer related deaths could be prevented by early detection of the disease. Mr. Renganathan said that the primary objective of the establishment of Breast Care Unit is to promote early detection of the ailment through screening.

The Ceylinco Breast Care Unit has its own waiting areas for visitors and space for doctor consultations and investigations. The unit would initially offer two packages – one for women under 40 years and the other for women over 40 years.

Dr Panduka Jayasekera, Consultant Surgeon, Cancer Institute Maharagama and Dr (Ms) Kalyani Miranda, Radiologist also spoke.