Five new mammography machines donated

Health Minister Popi Kanari on Friday heralded the donation of five new mammography machines by Opap, to be used in the government’s breast detection programme.

In a ceremony to receive the equipment, the minister said: “Today’s donation from Opap equips Cyprus with the latest technology for mammograms.”

They offer the possibility of high-resolution tomosynthesis, according to the latest guidelines of the European strategic plan against cancer, which makes it capable of detecting the smallest abnormalities, thus significantly improving the chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment, Kanari added.

The government currently offers mammogram centres in all cities. Though it is outside of Gesy services, they are offered free by the health ministry.

Beyond the breast cancer prevention programme, women aged between 45-74 can get screened. In October, the ministry is expected to roll out a large intestine-screening programme and prostate screening by the end of the year.

Next year, the government plans to offer screenings to prevent cervical cancer.