Cyprus parliament passes legislation to establish a national cancer institute

The Cypriot parliament unanimously passed legislation on Thursday to establish a National Cancer Institute. The project, which fulfills a pre-election promise by President Nikos Christodoulides, aims to provide a strategic and coordinating body for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Each year, approximately 4,500 new cancer cases are recorded in Cyprus, with breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers being the most frequent. Despite the high incidence, the country reports five-year survival rates above the European average, including 93% for breast cancer and 99% for prostate cancer. The Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre and the Pancyprian Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (Pasykaf) both welcomed the decision as a critical institutional step. The institute is expected to improve the coherence of oncological care and facilitate national strategic planning. The move is part of a broader health reform package announced by the government, which also includes the creation of a national ambulance authority and community nursing services.