Newsroom
Prostate cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men across Europe and in Cyprus, where doctors say hundreds of new cases are confirmed each year. Yet participation in routine screening continues to lag.
Health specialists and advocates issued the warning Monday during a joint news conference by the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre and Europa Uomo Cyprus, timed to coincide with European Prostate Cancer Awareness Day on Sept. 15.
Organizers called for stronger public education campaigns and more systematic prevention efforts, saying that stigma and misinformation continue to discourage many men from getting tested.
Findings from a study presented at the event showed wide gaps in knowledge about the disease. While 61% of Cypriots surveyed had heard of the PSA test, fewer than half could identify risk factors. Only 42% recognized the symptoms, 24% reported ever having a digital rectal exam, and less than half had undergone a PSA blood test.
“Although nearly two-thirds of respondents believe prostate cancer can be prevented, the data show prevention culture has not taken hold,” researchers said.
Europa Uomo Cyprus president Andreas Moiseos said Cyprus now ranks above the European average in PSA screening but warned that far more men need to come forward. “Prostate cancer is not invincible,” he said.
Oncology Centre general director Panos Ergatoudis praised advances in treatment and collaboration among institutions but said “the battle remains ongoing and requires constant vigilance.”
Radiation oncologist Dr. Dimitrios Vomvas added that “prevention saves lives” and urged men not to skip annual PSA checks.
The event closed with backing from representatives of the Health Ministry, OPAP Cyprus and the German Medical Institute, who pledged support for prevention and awareness drives.
