All female school teachers will be screened for cervical and breast cancer by the Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry shortly with the assistance of the International Cancer Research Institute (ICRI) in Leon, France, Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman W.M.D.Wanninayaka said. Medical studies have revealed that about 7400 new cases of cancer among women are detected every year and about 60 per cent of them are cervical and breast cancer cases, he said. "If the disease is diagnosed early, treatment is possible. But sadly a big majority of our women do not seek medical advice on time. It has been found that most women suffering from cancer seek treatment only at the terminal stage,' Mr. Wanninayaka said. The ICRI has come forward to assist Sri Lanka in combating cancer after Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva drew attention to the sharp increase in mortality in cancer cases, he said. The Ministry expects to screen all women over 40 years of age in the country for cervical and breast cancer free of charge under this programme. Female public servants are next to be screened after the school teachers, Mr. Wanninayaka added. A preliminary discussion on the programme will be held today between an ICRI team of medical experts, Minister de Silva and ministry officials at the National Blood Transfusion Centre, Narahenpita.