About 18.4 in every 100,000 Sri Lankan women had breast cancer in 2005. This figure has gone up to 25, Health Ministry media coordinator W M D Vanninayake said. He said there has been an increase in breast cancer in Sri Lanka during the past 20 years. All Sri Lankan women who have passed middle age, should get themselves checked free of charge from the Suvanaari Saayana (Well Woman Clinics) at least once a year", he said. He said women between 50 and 69 are in the high risk category. "Most breast cancer patients are detected in Sri Lanka in the late stages and they do not have a chance to survive. About 4.7 per cent of female deaths occur in Sri Lanka due to breast cancer", Vanninayake said. He said breast cancer can be completely cured if detected early. "There are 700 Suvanaari Saayana countrywide in 325 MoH areas. Every MoH area has more than two such clinics. Breast cancer can be detected through a memogram, through professional examination conducted at clinics and self- examination of breasts for possible lumps. All clinics offer services free of charge. The best way of preventing breast cancer is raising awareness among women and undergoing examination as a precautionary measure," he said. The ministry has declared October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will carry out awareness programmes through clinics and State hospitals. The national ceremony in connection with this, will take place on October 2 at 3.00 pm at Hotel Cinnamon Grand under the patronage of First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and Deputy Minister Lalith Dissanayake. Actress and MP Malini Fonseka has volunteered to take part in the event as the brand ambassador. Cinnamon Grand Hotel sponsors the event free of charge, he added.