President Nikos Christodoulides on Saturday emphasised the importance of cancer prevention, treatment and support services as the annual Christodoula March began in Nicosia.

The march, which supports cancer patients and their families, drew large public participation.

Addressing attendees, Christodoulides said the event continues to serve as a point of unity and awareness more than five decades after it started, adding that its purpose remains centred on supporting those affected by cancer.

“This march unites all of us, so that we can support our fellow human beings who are facing the disease of cancer,” he said.

He said improving cancer care should remain a shared objective, commenting on recent legislative and policy developments aimed at strengthening healthcare services.

Christodoulides placed particular emphasis on prevention, describing it as a central priority in public health policy.

“The most important thing is prevention. And that is where we all need to invest more,” he said, adding that screening programmes have been expanded through the health ministry.

He also underlined the establishment of a national cancer institute, describing it as a coordinating body intended to bring together centres involved in cancer treatment and research.

The anti-cancer society supported approximately 4,500 patients over the past year, delivering more than 80,000 services, including home nursing care, psychological support and patient transport to treatment centres.

The march commemorates Christodoula, a cancer patient who fled Famagusta during the Turkish Invasion of 1974 and walked to Sotira, where she later died.

Christodoulides called on participants to walk in her memory and in support of those currently undergoing treatment: “Let’s walk together, to give support to all our fellow human beings and their families who are fighting a difficult battle.”