With Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP), the European Commission follows a new approach to cancer prevention, treatment and care. The action ‘OBS-Learning From Progress In Addressing Cancer In Europe’ (OBS-PACE) contributes to this by improving the understanding of the national cancer control situation and policy actions in EU Member States.
OBS-PACE is collecting case studies of innovative actions in cancer research, care, and policy across the cancer care pathway. The case studies mirror the implementation of the EBCP at the national and regional level and can inform new actions to better tackle cancer across Europe. Each case study describes the objective of the new action, its implementation, including enablers and barriers, and its outcomes at the health system level.
11 March 2025 | Case Study
Cyprus is enhancing cancer prevention through expanded screening programs and introduction of the nine-valent HPV vaccine aiming to tackle key cancers like colorectal, cervical and prostate, alongside the enhanced breast cancer screening initiative. This approach aims to increase early detection, reduce cancer-related mortality and improve health outcomes of the population.
Cyprus has faced significant gaps in organized cancer screening, particularly for colorectal, cervical and prostate cancers, despite the presence of a nationwide breast cancer program established since 2007.
In response to these gaps, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Cyprus has undertaken several initiatives. A key development is the expansion of the breast cancer screening program to align with the European Union’s Beating Cancer Plan (EBCP). This enhancement broadens the eligible age range for women 50–69 years to 45–74 years, with a focus on increasing participation and improving the integration of screening services within the National Health System.
A significant improvement to the breast cancer screening program is the incorporation of tomosynthesis, a three-dimensional mammography technique that delivers more precise and detailed imaging. This advanced technology is scheduled for full implementation by the first quarter of 2025.
The program has expanded its operating hours to better accommodate working women, enhancing accessibility for those who may find it challenging to attend screenings during standard working hours.
The Ministry of Health has introduced the nine-valent HPV vaccine for children aged 11–13, aimed at preventing HPV-related cancers, most notably cervical cancer.
The implementation of this initiative has been supported by a broad collaboration involving governmental agencies, healthcare providers and civil society organizations (NGOs), with a significant focus on raising awareness and promoting the vaccine.
As of 2023, vaccination rates are high, with 92% of girls and 79% of boys having completed the vaccination schedule, representing a major step forward in reducing cancer risk.
The population-based colorectal cancer screening program, targeting individuals aged 50–74, is set to be implemented in spring 2025, with the objective of detecting colorectal cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
The Ministry of Health is also preparing to implement nationwide, population-based screening programs for prostate and cervical cancers. These upcoming programs are in the planning stages and are expected to follow a similar model to the colorectal cancer screening program, with a focus on early detection, prevention and improving overall health outcomes.
Enablers: The successful implementation of cancer prevention programs in Cyprus has been driven by strong collaboration among stakeholders, clear policy direction and dedicated funding (Funding). The introduction of the nine-valent HPV vaccine benefited from coordination between the Ministry of Health, the National Health System paediatricians, school health services and NGOs (Service delivery), achieving impressive coverage rates. Similarly, the colorectal cancer screening program and planned prostate and cervical cancer screening initiatives have been facilitated by the Ministry of Health’s national cancer control strategy, supported by the National Cancer Committee and awareness campaigns (Governance). EU and national funding further enhanced the breast cancer screening program, enabling digital mammography upgrades, expansion of the target age range and integration into the NHS, thereby improving access and quality assurance (Resources). These initiatives underscore the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and resource allocation in advancing cancer prevention efforts.
Barriers: During the introduction of the nine-valent HPV vaccine, initial challenges included difficulties in accurately estimating participation rates, vaccine supply needs and the number of beneficiaries, necessitating adjustments in the early phases. Similarly, the colorectal cancer screening program faced obstacles such as the absence of specific legal and regulatory frameworks, concerns over personal data protection, workforce shortages in gastroenterology, and delays in the development and deployment of essential software, which remains in the design stage. Additionally, the breast cancer screening program has struggled with public awareness gaps, workforce shortages in radiology and delays in deploying upgraded software.
Lessons learned: The implementation of cancer prevention initiatives in Cyprus highlighted the importance of comprehensive planning, robust legal frameworks, and addressing resource gaps for successful execution. Accurate forecasting of participation rates and resource needs, as seen in the HPV vaccination program, was crucial. Collaboration among stakeholders and clear communication fostered trust and coordination, while extending service hours improved accessibility for working individuals. Challenges like workforce shortages, delayed software development and late adoption of technologies emphasized the need for proactive planning and adaptability. Continuous evaluation and flexibility remain essential to sustaining public health impact and refining future initiatives.
For further details on this case study, please reach out to obs-pace@obs.who.int.
European Commission (2021). Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan: Communication to the European Parliament and the Council [Internet] (https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-02/eu_cancer-plan_en_0.pdf, accessed 13 March 2024).
Papanicolas I, Rajan D, Karanikolos M, Soucat A, Figueras J, editors. Health system performance assessment: A framework for policy analysis. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2022 (Health Policy Series, No. 57).
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