There have been 9,945 cases of prostate cancer in Cyprus over the last 23 years, the Pancyprian Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (Pasykaf) reported in a statement launching an awareness campaign for the prevention and early detection of male cancer.

“The number of cases per type of male cancer is on the rise, according to the Cyprus cancer registry. Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men in Cyprus, with a total of 9,945 cases in the last 23 years (1998-2021),” Pasykaf said.

Pasykaf added that men with a family history of prostate cancer are at increased risk of developing the disease themselves, recommending a blood test for these individuals.

“A simple blood test – the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – can lead to the early detection of prostate cancer, which can determine the course and progression of the disease from the age of 40,” Pasykaf said.

Pasykaf also reported that testicular cancer, though one of the rarest forms of cancer, impacts adolescents and men aged 15 to 40, with 683 recorded cases from 1998 to 2021.

“Nowadays, testicular cancer is treated with almost a 100 per cent success rate if diagnosed in the early stages,” Pasykaf said. “Therefore, it is important for every man to perform a self-examination of his testicles in order to detect any problems in time.”

Pasykaf said that bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men.

According to the Cyprus cancer registry, 3,344 cases were recorded between 1998 and 2021, with smoking as the main cause. “70 per cent of cases occur after the age of 65,” it said.

The main objectives of Pasykaf’s campaign are to raise public awareness about prostate, testicular, and bladder cancer, to encourage regular preventative check-ups, and to eliminate social stigmas.