Referring to the particularly high survival rates of cancer patients in Cyprus compared to the European average, the Medical Oncologist of the German Oncology Center Dr. Georgios Orfanos underlined that prevention and early diagnosis remain the most powerful weapons in the fight against the disease. As he stated, organized screening programs significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and limit the need for more aggressive medical interventions. Presenting data for Cyprus, he noted that survival rates are among the highest in the European Union, reaching 99% in prostate cancer compared to 87% in the EU, 93% in breast cancer compared to 83%, 72% in colon cancer compared to 60% and 19% in lung cancer compared to 15%. According to him, this performance is attributed to early diagnosis and the effectiveness of modern treatments.
The importance of prevention, early diagnosis and access to innovative treatments was the focus of a press conference held in Cyprus by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), with the participation of distinguished oncologists, who highlighted the modern challenges and prospects in the care of cancer patients.
During the event, special emphasis was placed on immuno-oncology, which in recent years has significantly changed the landscape of anti-cancer treatment, offering new possibilities for treating the disease and improving the quality of life of patients.
The General Manager of BMS Greece and Cyprus, Elisabeth Prodromou, described innovative therapies as the most powerful weapon available against cancer, noting that immuno-oncology contributes to the transformation of more and more forms of cancer from fatal to chronic diseases. At the same time, she underlined the company's commitment to investing in the research and development of new therapies, aiming at timely and equal access to them for patients.
For his part, Radiation Oncologist and Medical Director of the German Oncology Center, Dr. Konstantinos Zampoglou, highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of oncological cases. As he stated, the collaboration of different specialties allows the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for each patient, while ensuring their comprehensive monitoring and support.
Special mention was also made of lung cancer. Oncologist Dr. Eleftherios Vorrias pointed out that developments in immunotherapy and targeted therapies have created new prospects for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, offering substantial hope and better therapeutic outcomes.
Dr. Asimina Koulouridi referred to developments regarding gastrointestinal cancers, emphasizing that new therapeutic options have significantly improved survival rates. As she noted, immunotherapy has changed the data even in forms of cancer that were previously considered particularly difficult to manage.
Dr. Nana Vassiliadou highlighted the contribution of immuno-oncology to the treatment of melanoma, emphasizing that this particular form of cancer was the first major area of success for immunotherapy about 15 years ago. According to her, new therapeutic combinations now allow more patients to live longer and with a better quality of life.
Dr. Onoufrios Tsavaris focused on the importance of implementing scientifically documented treatment guidelines, noting that they contribute to ensuring the quality of care, the optimal use of available resources and the reduction of health inequalities.
The conference concluded with the common message that early diagnosis, access to innovative treatments, interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous investment in research are the key pillars for improving oncology care and increasing patient survival in Cyprus.
