Issuing a press release to mark the launch of the web platform, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said, "It is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that one-third of cancers can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices. Yet cervical and breast cancer are a global public health issue that is currently claiming millions of innocent lives, with more than two-thirds of these cases occurring in the developing countries where the health sector lacks the capacity and infrastructure to combat the threat effectively. Breast cancer and cervical cancer are the most common types of cancer among women in Sri Lanka."
Owing to the tremendous impact of modifiable factors on cancer risk, it has been estimated that at least one-third of all cancers are preventable, the Aayu platform says. Cancer prevention is characterized as a reduction in cancer mortality by reducing the occurrence of cancer. This includes reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors, along with population-based screening, to enable early detection of pre-cancer lesions.
Following factors have been identified in Sri Lanka as modifiable risk factors for cancers.
- Tobacco use
- Physical inactivity
- Overweight and Obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Unhealthy diet
- Unprotected sex for certain types of cancers
- Chewing of arecanut
