Pasykaf urges men in Cyprus to seek prostate cancer screening

On November 4, 2026, the Pancyprian federation of patients’ associations and friends (Pasykaf) launched an awareness campaign regarding prostate cancer, which remains the most common form of cancer among men in Cyprus. According to data from the Cyprus Cancer Registry for the period 2018–2022, there were 3,186 recorded cases, accounting for 28% of all cancers in men. The registry reports an average of 726 new diagnoses annually, and last year, the disease was identified as the second leading cause of death among the male population.

Georgia Orfanou, director of prevention at Pasykaf, emphasized that while the disease primarily affects men over 50, those with a family history should consult a doctor for screening starting at age 40–45. Health officials note that early-stage prostate cancer is often asymptomatic. When symptoms appear, they typically include frequent or difficult urination, especially at night, a weak urine stream, or blood in the urine. Pasykaf, in collaboration with the urological and oncological societies, advocates for the use of PSA blood tests to facilitate early detection and improve survival outcomes.

The current campaign aims to combat the tendency of asymptomatic men to skip preventive check-ups. Citizens are encouraged to discuss risk factors and screening schedules with their personal doctors as a primary method of self-care.