The launch of a new nationwide screening programme for bowel cancer on Thursday offers free testing to thousands of people across Cyprus to detect the disease early and save lives.

Health Minister Michael Damianos announced the initiative, describing it as a “duty of the state” to prevent a form of cancer that is both detectable and treatable when caught in time.

“Bowel cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if found early,” Damianos said.

“As a ministry, we have the tools and the obligation to act on prevention.”

The national population-based colorectal cancer screening programme is aimed at men and women aged 50 to 74, who are encouraged to participate every two years, from October to May. The programme is offered at no cost under the national health scheme (Gesy). After receiving a referral from their GP, eligible individuals will receive a package by post from the health ministry, which includes an informational leaflet, a FIT (fecal immunochemical test) stool sample kit as well as a personal invitation letter.

To take part, recipients must contact their general practitioner (GP) to obtain a referral for the FIT test. After collecting a sample at home, individuals are instructed to drop it off at designated boxes located at health centres and state hospitals. The sample must be submitted with a card containing the participant’s details. All samples will be sent to the microbiology lab at Limassol general hospital, where the tests will be analysed. Results will be uploaded to the Gesy eHealth system, just like any other lab test, and accessible to referring doctors.

If the test comes back negative, the participant will be invited again in two years. If the result is positive, the ministry will inform the individual, urging them to contact their GP for a referral to a gastroenterologist and to undergo a colonoscopy for further investigation. The programme does not apply to individuals with serious illnesses who are already under the care of a gastroenterologist, nor to people with a diagnosed history of bowel cancer as they are already receiving treatment.

The primary goal is to detect pre-cancerous polyps early, when treatment is most effective. Personal doctors will receive a list of eligible patients to help coordinate follow-up appointments and procedures. The programme is run in cooperation with the health insurance organisation (HIO) and the state health services organisation (Okypy), with a dedicated budget of €1 million.

In a touching statement, European commissioner for health Stella Kyriakides praised the launch of the campaign. 

“This is a moving and proud moment,” she said. 

“I thank the minister for taking decisive steps to protect public health and advance cancer prevention in Cyprus.”

The ministry will send quarterly email updates to personal doctors listing their eligible patients. These doctors are expected to contact participants and help guide them through the process. Meanwhile, selected beneficiaries will also receive postal invitations, with clear instructions on how to obtain the test referral, collect and submit their sample, and understand the next steps based on results.

By increasing access to early screening, health officials hope to reduce mortality rates from a cancer that claims many lives each year, despite being among the most treatable when caught early. Authorities are calling on all eligible adults to take up the offer and prioritise their health.