Huge progress made in the fight against cancer says House president

House president Annita Demetriou on Monday reiterated the state’s determination to implement national policies and strategies in the fight against cancer.

Demetriou’s comments came after last Saturday’s annual Pink Silhouettes March organised by Europa Donna to raise awareness of breast cancer.

The House president said that, according to the International Agency for Cancer Research, in Cyprus in 2020 there were 761 new cases of breast cancer, while one in four women diagnosed with cancer worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer, and one in six deaths from cancer are attributed to breast cancer.

“The numbers may sound discouraging, but in this day and age, with the progress in the field of medicine throughout the world, we can enjoy effective treatment against the disease through prevention and early diagnosis,” Demetriou said.

Referring to the Pink Silhouettes March, she said that the event has become an institution and an integral part of the fight against cancer.

“For 17 years women and men of all ages, all origins and all backgrounds have been marching together for the cause,” she said.

“At the same time, it aims to raise awareness in our society about breast cancer, as well as the importance of self-examination, periodic check-ups with doctors, mammography and breast ultrasound, all tools thar help prevent and diagnose the disease in its early stages.”

She said prevention was crucial and this meant people must overcome their fear and the stigma associated with cancer.