Cyprus ranked second from last in the European Union, in breast cancer screening programs with only a 29.8% participation rate for women aged 50-69 according to 2023 data. The latest available data on cancer screening programs in Europe, were published by Eurostat, highlighting significant differences among EU member states in both participation rates and the effectiveness of prevention programs.
The substantial gaps observed are primarily attributed to a lack of public awareness, limited access to specialized healthcare facilities, and organizational weaknesses in national prevention systems.
For breast cancer, the EU average participation rate for women aged 50-69 is approximately 65%. In 2023, the countries with the highest participation rates were Denmark at 83.3%, Sweden at 83.0%, and Finland at 81.5%. On the other hand, the countries with the lowest rates were Greece at just 14.5%, Cyprus at 29.8%, and Latvia at 36.1%. Cyprus is significantly below the EU average and far behind the leading countries in this area, according to the 2023 data.
Regarding cervical cancer screening, the EU average participation rate for women aged 20-64 is around 55%. Cyprus, with a participation rate of approximately 48%, remains below the EU average, underscoring the need for further awareness campaigns and improved access to screenings. The countries with the highest participation rates in this screening are Denmark and Slovenia, both exceeding 65%, while Poland and Slovakia do not exceed 40%.
For colorectal cancer, the EU average participation rate for individuals aged 50-74 is about 45%. Cyprus records a participation rate of around 40%, a level that, although lower than the EU average, shows gradual improvement in recent years. The countries with the highest participation rates are Finland and Ireland, both exceeding 60%, while Romania and Bulgaria remain below 30%.
Eurostat releases breast cancer prevention data in October, aligning with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.