Early detection of breast cancer through awareness campaigns in Sri Lanka

Project description​

The project leveraged collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Sri Lanka Society of Breast Surgeons, the National Cancer Control Programme, and the College of Oncologists. ​These collaborations played a pivotal role in contributing to the project's technical content and facilitating unified and impactful campaign messages to promote Self-Breast Examination (SBE) and Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) to the population of Sri Lanka.

A significant milestone during the project period was the National Consultation on Breast Cancer led by Indira Cancer Trust. This event brought together civil society organisations, NGOs, professional bodies, and student movements, including Girl Guides and Scouts, with 2,300 people were in attendance. The First Lady of Sri Lanka, Prof Maithree Wickramasinghe, a breast cancer survivor, presided as the chief guest, pledging her support to raise awareness for breast cancer. Her keynote address garnered extensive coverage in electronic and print media, significantly amplifying advocacy efforts in Sri Lanka. The project also successfully engaged breast cancer survivors in awareness planning and programmes to ensure the patient voice was heard.

Throughout the year, the team promotes breast health and CBE through a range of awareness activities. Each Wednesday the team leveraged their platforms to share information through their ‘Pink Wednesday Campaign’, ensuring that breast health messages are spread throughout the year. Notably, the project conducted national breast health awareness education sessions, reaching over 57,000 women in total. These sessions included education materials in three languages and multidisciplinary sessions for the TLC (Touch, Look, Check) campaign.

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