[PIO] The Mammographic Screening Programme of the Ministry of Health is strengthened and upgraded

The Ministry of Health, within the framework of the President's governance programme, has set as a goal the upgrading and expansion of the mammography screening programme for breast cancer.

A recent evaluation of data related to the mammography screening program has demonstrated a rapid increase in the number of mammograms performed on women who are age-eligible for mammography. The number of mammograms performed in the first half of 2023 is nearly double the number performed in 2021 and up 60% compared to 2022.

The increase is due to:

1. the increase in the number of beneficiaries with the extension of the age limit to the 45-74 age group
2. the improvement of access for beneficiaries with the operation of new Mammography Centres in Paphos District (Geroskipou Mammography Centre) and Famagusta (Famagusta Mammography Centre)
3. the upgrade of infrastructure, the equipment and staffing of the Mammography Centres
4. the launch of mammography screening services in the evening hours

In addition to the above actions to upgrade the breast cancer screening programme, the Ministry of Health is proceeding with the accreditation of the programme and, in cooperation with the OAI, is also promoting the registration of mammography data in the patient's medical record.

Finally, it should be noted that the colorectal cancer screening programme is expected to be implemented in early October 2023 while, at an advanced stage, the introduction of the prostate cancer screening programme is also at an advanced stage, set for around the end of 2023.

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