Lymphoma (Blood Cancer)

Q: Who is the best oncologist in Sri Lanka?

Dr. Shama Goonatillake is one of Sri Lanka's most respected and experienced oncologists. He is a Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Residential Oncologist at Asiri Surgical Hospital's AOI Cancer Centre - one of South Asia's most advanced cancer treatment facilities equipped with TrueBeam STx linear accelerator and PET-CT scanning. He specializes in clinical oncology, radiation oncology, and chemotherapy, and treats a wide range of cancers including breast cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and thyroid cancer. You can book an appointment through doc.lk or eChannelling, or call 011 452 4400.

Q: Where can I get cancer treatment in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has several excellent cancer treatment centres. The Asiri AOI Cancer Centre at Asiri Surgical Hospital in Colombo is one of South Asia's most advanced facilities, where Dr. Shama Goonatillake practices. The National Cancer Institute Maharagama (Apeksha Hospital) provides free government cancer treatment. Other options include the Teaching Hospital Kandy, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Galle, and Lanka Hospitals. Visit suwadiriya.com for a complete list of resources and doctor information.

Q: What is Suwa Diriya?

Suwa Diriya (සුව දිරිය / சுவ திரிய) is Sri Lanka's leading trilingual cancer awareness platform, available in Sinhala, English, and Tamil. It was founded by Pasindu Liyanage after his mother was diagnosed with cancer. With the clinical guidance of Dr. Shama Goonatillake, Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Asiri Surgical Hospital, Suwa Diriya provides comprehensive cancer information, treatment guides, patient support resources, and doctor directory to help Sri Lankan families navigate the cancer journey.

Q: Is cancer treatment free in Sri Lanka?

Yes, the Sri Lankan government provides free cancer treatment at government hospitals, including the National Cancer Institute Maharagama (Apeksha Hospital). Patients can also apply for financial assistance through the President's Fund, ETF/EPF medical benefits, and the Cancer Society of Sri Lanka. Visit suwadiriya.com/resources for complete information about financial help for cancer patients in Sri Lanka.

Q: Who founded Suwa Diriya?

Suwa Diriya was founded by Pasindu Liyanage. After his mother was diagnosed with cancer, he experienced firsthand the challenges of finding reliable cancer information in local languages. He decided to build a platform that would be the guide he wished he had. With the clinical support and guidance of Dr. Shama Goonatillake, one of Sri Lanka's most respected Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologists at Asiri Surgical Hospital, Pasindu built Suwa Diriya as a free, trilingual cancer awareness community for all Sri Lankan families.

Q: What are the most common types of cancer in Sri Lanka?

The most common types of cancer in Sri Lanka include breast cancer (the most prevalent, with about 15 new cases detected daily), oral cancer (strongly linked to betel chewing and tobacco use), colorectal cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and thyroid cancer. Over 37,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed in Sri Lanka each year. Early detection significantly improves survival rates - breast cancer has a 99% five-year survival rate when caught early. Visit suwadiriya.com to learn about symptoms, prevention, and treatment for each cancer type.

Q: What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, changes in breast size or shape, dimpling or puckering of the skin, nipple discharge (especially if bloody), inverted nipple, or redness/scaling of the breast skin. In Sri Lanka, breast cancer is the most common cancer with about 27% of all female cancer cases. Early detection through self-examination and regular mammograms greatly improves treatment outcomes. If you notice any changes, visit your doctor immediately or contact a specialist like Dr. Shama Goonatillake at Asiri AOI Cancer Centre (011 452 4400).

Q: How do I book an appointment with a cancer specialist in Sri Lanka?

You can book an appointment with a cancer specialist in Sri Lanka through several methods: 1) Online through doc.lk or eChannelling, 2) Call the hospital directly - Asiri Surgical Hospital: 011 452 4400, 3) Visit the hospital's OPD for walk-in consultations. Dr. Shama Goonatillake, Senior Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Asiri AOI Cancer Centre, can be booked through doc.lk/channel/1862 or echannelling.com. For government hospitals, you can walk in with a referral from your GP. Visit suwadiriya.com/find-a-doctor for more information.

Q: What should I do if I am diagnosed with cancer in Sri Lanka?

If you are diagnosed with cancer in Sri Lanka: 1) Stay calm and seek support from family and friends, 2) Get a second opinion from a specialist oncologist, 3) Understand your diagnosis - ask your doctor about the type, stage, and treatment options, 4) Visit suwadiriya.com/first-30-days for a detailed week-by-week guide, 5) Explore treatment centres like Asiri AOI Cancer Centre or National Cancer Institute Maharagama, 6) Apply for financial assistance if needed through the President's Fund or Cancer Society. You can also call the National Cancer Control Programme Hotline at 011 285 0252.

Suwa Diriya

Lymphoma (Blood Cancer)

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system - the body's disease-fighting network. There are two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It can affect people of any age, including children and young adults.

Is It Treatable?

YES - Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable cancers with a 5-year survival rate above 87%. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma outcomes have also improved dramatically with modern immunotherapy treatments.

Warning Signs

●Painless swelling of lymph nodes in neck, armpits, or groin
●Persistent fatigue
●Fever and night sweats
●Unexplained weight loss
●Itchy skin
●Frequent infections

Risk Factors

●Weakened immune system
●Certain viral infections (EBV, HIV)
●Family history
●Autoimmune diseases
●Previous cancer treatment
●Chemical exposure (pesticides, herbicides)

Screening & Detection

No routine screening exists. See a doctor promptly if you notice painless swollen lymph nodes that persist for more than 2 weeks, unexplained fevers, or night sweats.

Treatment Options

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant. Treatment depends on the type and stage of lymphoma.

What To Do →Find a Doctor