Speaking to the media, he said breast cancer was prevalent mostly among elderly women.

Women having symptoms should get themselves examined immediately, he advised.

Stressing the importance of early diagnosis, directress of the national cancer prevention programme Dr. Eshani Fernando said every one out of 40 women is at risk of cancer at any time of life.

Also, one out of every 10 women faces risk of cancer in any part of the body.

According to 2012 reports, there were 14 million cancer patients globally, and 8.2 million of them had died, while another 32.6 lived with cancer, she said.

By 2025, the world would have 19 million cancer patients, out of which 13 million would die.

An increase in the elderly population and bad food habits were the main cause for cancer, said Dr. Fernando.

Women aged between 55 and 59 years are mostly at risk, while breast cancer is common among between 25 pc and 27 pc of them.

Most patients are reported from Colombo and Kalutara.

The Health Ministry, Family Health Bureau and the National Cancer Prevention Programme are having 324 ‘Suvanari’ clinics at every MoH office daily, where women can get free examination for breast cancer, she added.