The official launch of the population screening program for colon cancer was announced today by the Minister of Health, Michalis Damianou, noting that colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Cyprus and worldwide.
"However, it is a form of cancer that can be prevented and diagnosed early, with the help of modern and simple diagnostic methods," he said.
The program is provided by the Ministry of Health free of charge to men and women aged 50-74 throughout Cyprus every two years and is implemented in collaboration with the Health Insurance Organization and the Health Insurance Organization.
According to the Minister of Health, the program includes sending an invitation to the beneficiaries of the program along with the sample collection kit for the hemoglobin detection test (FIT test). The goal of the program is the timely referral of individuals with a positive result for colonoscopy so that possible polyps or other lesions can be identified and treated in a timely manner.
To strengthen the effort to inform our fellow citizens, he said, an information campaign was launched today in the media, in collaboration with the Press and Information Office.
In his speech, Mr. Damianou noted that population-based cancer programs are at the top of the priorities of the Ministry of Health. Through this specific program, he said, we strengthen the health protection of the population, reduce morbidity and deaths from colorectal cancer and contribute to a more sustainable and effective health system. He called on all citizens who meet the criteria to respond and participate in the program.
After the implementation of the colon cancer screening program, the Ministry of Health's goal is to expedite the procedures for the implementation within the year of two more extremely important population-based cancer programs. The prostate cancer screening program and the cervical cancer screening program, he said and expressed the hope that we will achieve our goal for the benefit of Cypriot citizens.
The Minister also referred to the establishment and activation of the National Cancer Institute, which is undoubtedly a decisive step for the substantial upgrading of oncology services in the country.
Source: KYPE
