Health experts in Cyprus disclosed troubling estimates about the increasing impact of cancer in the country during a session with the House Health Committee yesterday.
Startlingly, Cyprus finds itself among the top ten EU countries with the highest cancer rates for the year 2022, a development that has sparked heightened concern among health professionals.
The House Health Committee, in a meeting held yesterday, delved into discussions regarding the urgent need to revise the national strategy for tackling cancer.
Additionally, there were talks about the establishment and operation of the National Cancer Institute.
Notably, the Institute had recently become the focal point of public discourse and disagreements due to the government’s decision to exclude it from the state budget for the upcoming year, 2024.
While the participants in yesterday’s session welcomed the final decision to allocate funds for cancer research in the budget, they didn’t shy away from expressing clear criticisms of the government’s initial stance on this critical health matter.
Experts emphasised the significant need for the National Cancer Institute’s operation. International data indicate that cancer is projected to become the leading cause of death by the year 2035. Hence, as a nation, it is imperative to be well-prepared with the necessary structures and resources to seamlessly support all patients.
Doctors further stressed, “Cancer management must extend beyond merely providing treatments or purely medical interventions. It should encompass comprehensive services, including support from dieticians, psychologists, and others. This support is crucial for both those currently battling cancer and survivors, as well as their families.”
The establishment and operation of the National Cancer Institute have garnered support from all parliamentary parties and various associations representing individuals affected by cancer.
