Newsroom
Cyprus ranks near the bottom of European Union countries in breast cancer screening, with just 29.8% of eligible women participating in prevention programs in 2023, according to Eurostat data. The rate is far below the EU average of around 65% and second-lowest in the bloc, ahead of only Greece.
Cervical cancer screening in Cyprus also trails the European average. About 48% of eligible women were screened in 2023, compared with roughly 55% across the EU. Colorectal cancer screening participation reached approximately 40% for those aged 50-74, below the EU average of 45% but showing gradual improvement.
By contrast, Nordic countries lead in cancer prevention. Denmark, Sweden, and Finland reported breast cancer screening rates above 80%, while Finland and Ireland topped colorectal screening with more than 60% participation.
Eurostat attributes Cyprus’ low rates to limited public awareness, access barriers, and organizational gaps in national prevention programs. The EU continues to encourage improvements through Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, emphasizing early detection and organized screening programs.
