Epidemiological Analysis of Colorectal Cancer in Cyprus Amidst the Absence of Organized Screening Programs Data From 2000 to 2020
Author(s)
Georgia Damianou, MS1, Anna Demetriou, MS2, Magda Chatzikou, PhD1.
1Public Administration, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos, Cyprus, 2Ministry of Health, Cyprus, Cyprus.
1Public Administration, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos, Cyprus, 2Ministry of Health, Cyprus, Cyprus.
OBJECTIVES: This epidemiological study systematically investigates colorectal cancer (CRC) data in Cyprus during the period 2001-2021, with the primary objective of analyzing epidemiological trends, assessing incidence and mortality, and conducting a comparative evaluation against European data, in light of the absence of a national screening program.
METHODS: The research was based on secondary analysis of data from the Cyprus Cancer Registry (CyCR), covering the period 2001-2021 (20 years). Extensive statistical processing was performed, focusing on the analysis of epidemiological parameters such as incidence, mortality, demographic distribution, and geographical dispersion. At the same time, a comparative assessment was carried out with corresponding European data, highlighting the existing differences in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer (CRC).
RESULTS: The research findings demonstrated notable trends and changes in the epidemiological profile of CRC in Cyprus. There was a dramatic increase in cases from 195 in 2001 to 455 in 2021, with a clear predominance of the male population (57.8% compared to 42.2% of women). The age distribution peaks in the 70-74 age group, while the rates of presymptomatic screening remain extremely low, at just 3.3% between 2017 and 2019. Geographical analysis revealed significant differences between provinces, with Nicosia having the highest percentage of cases (39%).
CONCLUSIONS: The research highlights critical gaps in prevention and early diagnosis, proposing targeted interventions such as improving the recording of epidemiological data, raising public awareness, and developing personalized prevention strategies. The findings demonstrate that the adoption of comprehensive preventive approaches can significantly contribute to reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Cyprus.
METHODS: The research was based on secondary analysis of data from the Cyprus Cancer Registry (CyCR), covering the period 2001-2021 (20 years). Extensive statistical processing was performed, focusing on the analysis of epidemiological parameters such as incidence, mortality, demographic distribution, and geographical dispersion. At the same time, a comparative assessment was carried out with corresponding European data, highlighting the existing differences in the treatment of Colorectal Cancer (CRC).
RESULTS: The research findings demonstrated notable trends and changes in the epidemiological profile of CRC in Cyprus. There was a dramatic increase in cases from 195 in 2001 to 455 in 2021, with a clear predominance of the male population (57.8% compared to 42.2% of women). The age distribution peaks in the 70-74 age group, while the rates of presymptomatic screening remain extremely low, at just 3.3% between 2017 and 2019. Geographical analysis revealed significant differences between provinces, with Nicosia having the highest percentage of cases (39%).
CONCLUSIONS: The research highlights critical gaps in prevention and early diagnosis, proposing targeted interventions such as improving the recording of epidemiological data, raising public awareness, and developing personalized prevention strategies. The findings demonstrate that the adoption of comprehensive preventive approaches can significantly contribute to reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in Cyprus.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH73
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Oncology