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I am delighted to be with you at the opening of the scientific conference on breast cancer, organised by Europa Donna Cyprus.
Europa Donna Cyprus has identified its name with cancer issues like no other. Since its inception in 2002, it has been active on issues of information, prevention, support and patient rights in various decision making bodies. At the same time, it played an important role in the establishment of the first accredited specialized Breast Centre in Cyprus in 2016.
Friends,
Breast cancer affects not only women but also men and its treatment requires the joint effort of the state, science and society. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and, according to European Commission statistics, more than 355 thousand cases in women in the European Union have been recorded in 2020. In Cyprus, according to the Cancer Registry, about 700 new cases per year are detected and recorded in women and seven new cases of breast cancer in men. Of the 700 new cases detected, 70 are non-invasive cancers.
The upgrading of the breast cancer screening programme and the introduction of screening programmes for other cancers, within the framework of European cancer guidelines, for early detection and treatment purposes, are a priority of the Ministry of Health.
Therefore, the Ministry of Health is proceeding with the introduction and implementation of other population-based screening programmes, with the ultimate aim of protecting the population. In particular, the launch of the population programme for colorectal cancer is being promoted immediately, to be followed by the inclusion of the population programmes for prostate cancer and cervical cancer. I should note that the Ministry of Health, taking into account the European guidelines through the European Strategic Plan and the recommendations of the National Cancer Commission, has extended the age limit for screening mammography to those aged 45-74 years. In addition, all Mammography Centres have been upgraded in terms of infrastructure, equipment and staffing. In terms of equipment in particular, the centres have been upgraded, inter alia, by obtaining, following a donation from OPAP, the latest digital mammography technology. These enable high-resolution tomosynthesis, which makes it possible to detect the smallest abnormalities, significantly improving the chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Today we can say with certainty that all the Centres will meet the required standards with the interventions being carried out, so that the accreditation process will gradually move forward. Especially for this purpose, we are participating in a project funded by the European Commission, where common quality and performance indicators will be set for purposes of not only national evaluation but also evaluation at the European Union level.
In addition, I would like to mention that as the Ministry of Health we have proceeded with the installation of a Radiology Information System, through which it will be possible to schedule appointments and manage notifications. With the help of this system, radiologists will be able to efficiently generate women's medical reports. This system will even allow for sending SMS alerts, making it easier for women to keep track of their healthcare schedule. In addition, it will be possible to register the results in the beneficiaries' electronic file in the GHS.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In conclusion, I would like to thank Europa Donna Cyprus for the important work it has been doing for more than 20 years, actively supporting women. Europa Donna Cyprus listens to the problems of patients and proceeds responsibly, with the Ministry of Health as an ally. Your support to the Ministry of Health and to all our fellow sufferers is invaluable. This is the value of a fellow human being's life and this is the magnitude of the reward one feels when joining forces to stand together in the fight against breast cancer.
(MB)
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