In 2021, 710 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in Cyprus, showing an increase compared to previous years, according to data from the Cyprus Cancer Registry.
The data were presented at a press conference that was co-organized by the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center and Europa Uomo Cyprus on the occasion of European Prostate Cancer Awareness Day.
At European level, 335,000 new cases were detected in 2020, while deaths reached 70,000, according to a press release by the European Commission.
In his address at the press conference, Minister of Health, Michalis Damianos, said that based on the data of the Cyprus Cancer Registry, approximately 585 new cases of prostate cancer are registered in Cyprus every year.
However, he added, 2020 and 2021 saw an increase in the number of cases with 683 and 710 new diagnoses respectively.
He said that the increase of cases of prostate cancer in recent years highlights the need for preventive check-ups. Damianou pointed out that a population program for prostate ca
ncer has already been completed and will soon be implemented.
The Minister stressed that factors such as obesity, age and family history should be taken seriously.
“The increase in the cases of prostate cancer in recent years highlights the need to address preventive check -ups and inform the male population,” the Minister of Health said.
Damianou pointed out the importance of raising awareness.
“Factors such as obesity, age and family history should be taken seriously when assessing the risk of developing prostate cancer,” he added.
“The Ministry of Health is supporting every initiative concerning the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer” the Minister said in his address, noting that the Ministry continues to cooperate with the competent agencies for the creation and implementation of effective prevention and information programs.
Damianou noted that the planning of the population program for prostate cancer that would be for men aged 50-69 has already been completed announcing that the programm
e will soon begin to be implemented.
“Let us continue to inform and raise awareness in our society about the importance of prevention and early diagnosis of prostate cancer,” the Minister of Health concluded.
Source: Cyprus News Agency