-
.
- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation to welcome the press conference organised by Europa Uomo Cyprus in collaboration with the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, as part of the celebration of World Prostate Cancer Day.
Europa Uomo Cyprus carries out a complex and multifaceted humanitarian work, targeting with its actions and services to people with prostate cancer and their families throughout the duration of their illness. Europa Uomo has been raising awareness of prostate cancer for 15 years through multifaceted actions and activities. We owe you a debt of gratitude and a huge thank you for your enduring work and the noble goals you set and achieve.
Friends,
According to the relevant statistics, prostate cancer is the most common oncological disease in the male population, since one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, mainly in the over-50s.
According to the data of the Cyprus Cancer Registry, approximately 540 new cases of prostate cancer are detected and recorded in Cyprus (five-year average 2016-2020). In 2019 and 2020 there was an increase in the number of cases to 550 and 656 respectively. The peculiarity of this cancer is that it progresses very slowly and in the early stages it shows no symptoms.
The Ministry of Health recognizing the importance of screening promotes the development of the population-based prostate cancer programme, as well as other population-based programmes concerning colorectal cancer starting next October and cervical cancer starting in early 2024.
Regarding primary prevention, the main risk factors are obesity, age and family history. Men who are first-degree relatives of people with prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease than those with no history.
Early detection of cancer, as in all cases, including prostate cancer, significantly reduces mortality from the disease, since detection at an early stage results in high treatment success rates.
I take this opportunity to particularly thank my fellow urologists for their high sense of responsibility towards patients and the national health services, keeping the quality bar high.
I would also like to mention the active participation of Europa Uomo Cyprus, a voluntary organisation, which complements the work of the state by actively supporting our fellow human beings.
Voluntary organisations offer their services without remuneration, not because their work has no value but because it is invaluable. For this reason, the Ministry of Health and the State express their appreciation and sincere thanks to all voluntary groups, who offer their services with love and solidarity to our suffering fellow human beings. Thank you is too little.
Valuable partners,
The Ministry of Health aims to continuously improve the services provided to our fellow citizens. To this end, we look forward to working closely with all scientific societies and all NGOs in an effort to listen to opinions and formulate sound policies with the sole aim of safeguarding public health and improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens.
When the government supports the scientific community and voluntary organizations, the messages are always optimistic and the results are always positive.
When the government supports the scientific community and voluntary organizations, the messages are always optimistic and the results positive.
So let me assure you that in the battle to tackle prostate cancer, you have the Department of Health as your leader and ally in achieving common goals.
I wish you every success in the goals you have set and in the important work you are doing.
(DK)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
Source
Source
