A Report from a Community-Centric Cancer Control Approach in the Post-Conflict Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Late-stage cancer diagnoses of prevalent cancers are increasing in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, a region currently rebuilding its healthcare system after a prolonged civil war. In this region, cancer prevention services are limited. We describe a community-centric approach to cancer education and prevention as a strategy to cancer control in this rural, post-conflict region. Nursing students were trained as Community Cancer Educators (CCEs), equipping them with essential knowledge about cancer symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection. The training also included creative methods such as dance and drama to help CCEs communicate cancer-related messages in an engaging and culturally relevant manner. These CCEs supported the oncologist-led community health camps in delivering cancer education and screening directly to community members within their community. We planned the health camps in collaboration with the existing community-based public health system for better outreach. Feedback from community participants and healthcare providers suggests that this community-centric approach can improve cancer awareness, encourage participation in population screening, and support early cancer detection. This approach could strengthen community engagement and contribute to more equitable access to prevention and screening services in rural, post-conflict settings with limited healthcare infrastructure.