Cyprus is recording higher survival rates than the European Union average for several major forms of cancer, according to figures presented at a press briefing by biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb, with the participation of specialists from the German Oncology Centre in Limassol.
The data presented suggest that survival rates in Cyprus stand at 99% for prostate cancer, compared with 87% in the EU, and at 93% for breast cancer, compared with 83%. For colorectal cancer, the rate in Cyprus was reported at 72%, against 60% across the EU, while lung cancer survival was put at 19%, compared with 15% in the bloc.
Medical oncologist Dr Georgios Orfanos, who presented the figures, said the results reflect faster diagnosis and the effectiveness of newer treatment options. He also stressed that prevention and early detection remain central to improving outcomes, particularly in cancers where timely intervention can significantly affect survival.
The role of coordinated care was also highlighted during the briefing. Dr Konstantinos Zamboglou, radiation oncologist and medical director of the German Oncology Centre, said multidisciplinary teams are now an essential part of cancer treatment, allowing doctors to design more personalised strategies for each patient.
This approach, he said, also supports safer follow-up and gives greater weight to the psychological needs of patients, recognising that cancer care extends beyond medical treatment alone.
The briefing also focused on developments in specific forms of the disease, including lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancers and melanoma. Presentations were given by Dr Eleftherios Vorrias, Dr Asimina Koulouridi and Dr Nana Vasiliadou, who referred to the impact of immunotherapy and targeted therapies in improving both survival and quality of life.
Dr Onoufrios Tsavaris also underlined the importance of clinical guidelines and evidence-based decision-making, noting that treatment choices should be guided by the best available scientific data.
According to the announcement, the discussion pointed to a wider shift in cancer care, with timely access to innovative therapies, immuno-oncology, cooperation between medical specialties and holistic patient support seen as increasingly important in improving outcomes for cancer patients in Cyprus.
Source: CNA
