Cyprus Health Tourism Council President and UBP MP Dr. Ahmet Savaşan, who supported the ‘We Walk Against Prostate Cancer’ event initiated by the Cancer Patients' Aid Association to draw attention to the importance of the prostate cancer screening program in saving lives, pointed out that a significant decrease in deaths has been achieved thanks to prostate cancer screening programs in North America and Western Europe.

Cyprus Health Tourism Council President and UBP MP Dr. Ahmet Savaşan, He emphasized that the initiation and continuation of screening programs in cancer types such as prostate and breast, especially in the TRNC, could save many lives and at the same time, in such a difficult period when the economy is experiencing great difficulties, the state can save on health expenses and spend on other health areas that are needed.

“THE SECOND MOST COMMON TYPE OF CANCER IS PROSTATE...”

Pointing out that although prostate cancer has a high success rate in early treatment, the World Health Organization announced that it is the second most common type of cancer in men in its report, which was updated in 2020 and includes world cancer data. Ahmet Savaşan, He reminded that when the mortality rates in the mid-90s, when prostate cancer screening programs started in North America and Western Europe, are compared with the current mortality rates due to prostate cancer, it is seen that a significant decrease has been achieved. Pointing out that the success achieved in the decline owes primarily to screening programs that include physical examinations and PSA controls, as well as the development of treatment opportunities. Ahmet Savaşan, pointed out that there is an essential need for screening programs to be carried out in the TRNC as well.

“375 THOUSAND MEN LOSE THEIR LIVES DUE TO PROSTATE CANCER...”

Underlining that experts have revealed that the likelihood of prostate cancer in people with a family history of prostate cancer is 3-5 times higher than that of normal people, Dr. Ahmet Savaşan, He stated that the World Health Organization has announced that prostate cancer accounts for 14.1 percent of newly diagnosed cancers in men and that approximately 1.5 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year all over the world, and that 375 thousand men die every year due to prostate cancer.

“BREAST CANCER IN HER MOTHER ALSO POSES A RISK FOR PROSTATE CANCER!”

Experts also pointed out that family history shows that not only prostate cancer in one's father but also breast cancer in one's mother poses a risk. Ahmet Savaşan, emphasized that it is vital for those with a family history of this type of cancer to start prostate screening in their 40s and those who do not have a familial risk to start screening in their 50s. Pointing out that patients who are diagnosed early have the chance to undergo early and more effective treatment, Dr. Ahmet Savaşan, underlined that experts emphasize that prostate examination is especially important. Stating that it is natural for men to hesitate to have a prostate examination for cultural reasons Ahmet Savaşan, “In prostate cancer, it is important to remember that having a prostate examination by a urologist and having the PSA level checked in the blood saves lives,” he said.