Cancer on the rise among young people in SL

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in the world and the death toll is mounting according to the World Health Organization (WHO)in a recent report on Lanka Business Online.

Cases of diabetes tripled over the 12 year period of 1980 to 2002, cancer is attacking increasingly younger people in Sri Lanka, and heart diseases are among the leading causes of hospital deaths.

Meanwhile doctors note an alarming increase of cancer among younger people in Sri Lanka.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the island and is the leading killer of women between the ages of 40 to 55.

But now more women in their late twenties and early thirties are developing breast cancer.

On average, the island's government cancer hospitals treat 50 cancer patients per day.

However, WHO says a most chronic diseases can be prevented by living a clean life.

"The vast majority of cases of chronic diseases are caused by a small number of known and preventable risk factors," says WHO.

"Three of the most important are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and tobacco use."

But all over the world, these risk factors are increasing because eating habits are changing and people are much less physically active.