Cyprus registers between 600 and 700 new cases of prostate cancer each year, the head of the Cyprus Oncology Society said Monday, noting that it remains the most common cancer among men worldwide.
Anastasia Konstantinidou said global cases are projected to rise sharply, reaching an estimated 2.9 million annually by 2040.
What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid. Most cases grow slowly, but some forms can be aggressive and spread beyond the prostate if not detected early. Key points often highlighted by medical experts include:
- Age is the strongest risk factor: The condition is far more common in men over 50.
- Symptoms can be subtle: Early‑stage prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When they do appear, they may include difficulty urinating, reduced urine flow or blood in the urine.
- Screening matters: Regular checkups, including PSA (prostate‑specific antigen) blood tests and clinical examinations, help detect the disease early, when treatment is most effective.
- Treatment varies: Options range from active monitoring for slow‑growing tumors to surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or a combination of approaches for more advanced disease.
Konstantinidou said rising incidence underscores the need for awareness, early detection and access to modern treatment pathways.