With an expanded information and awareness campaign throughout Cyprus, Europa Uomo Cyprus is once again stepping up its efforts this year to promote early diagnosis of prostate cancer and a more responsible attitude toward men’s health. The program for the coming months was presented at a press conference on Tuesday, September 15, on the occasion of European Prostate Cancer Awareness Day, in the presence of the Minister of Health, representatives of the medical and scientific communities, organizations, and partners of the Association.
In his speech, Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides placed particular emphasis on the importance of accurate information, prevention, and early intervention, noting: “Prevention begins with accurate information, a discussion with your doctor, and the decision not to put off matters concerning our health. After all, sometimes our prostate needs our protection”. At the same time, he praised the long-standing contribution of Europa Uomo Cyprus to informing, raising awareness, and supporting patients and their families.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
For his part, the President of Europa Uomo Cyprus, Andreas Moiseos, focused on the patients’ key priorities, referring, among other things, to the need for equal access to personalized treatments, the systematic evaluation of outcomes that are of real significance to the patient, as well as the creation of centers of excellence for the four major cancers.
European priorities for prevention, early detection, access to quality diagnosis and treatment, and improving quality of life after cancer were highlighted by Panos Ergatoudis, General Director of the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center. As he emphasized: “No progress in the fight against cancer can be achieved by a single entity alone. Cooperation is needed between the government, healthcare professionals, patient organizations, research and oncology centers, and society.”
The Executive Director of the German Medical Institute, Konstantinos Zamboglou, focused on patients’ quality of life and presented a new research initiative by the Institute in collaboration with Europa Uomo, as part of the European Horizon program. The research examines whether, where medically safe, the therapeutic burden on the patient can be reduced while maintaining the effectiveness of treatment.
Finally, Nikos Benoudakis, Marketing & CSR Manager at Allwyn, noted that the healthcare sector is one of the key pillars of the company’s social contribution, emphasizing that “the message is clear: proper information and prevention save lives.”
Blue November Across Cyprus
The centerpiece of this year’s program is Blue November, featuring an extensive network of awareness-raising activities in schools, military bases, businesses, organizations, cities, and communities throughout Cyprus. The program also includes more than 40 “Shave It” events across Cyprus.
In presenting the program, Stelios Kyriakou, Head of Public Relations and Events for Europa Uomo Cyprus, emphasized the campaign’s goal: “Early diagnosis begins long before someone is faced with a problem. It starts with information, awareness, and, ultimately, the decision to take care of ourselves.”
A key event in the program is the Blue Walk, which will take place on Sunday, November 8, at 10:00 a.m., starting at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center in Nicosia. The two-kilometer walk is co-organized by Europa Uomo Cyprus and the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center and is held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. Free PSA tests will be offered on-site, along with information about prostate cancer and the importance of early diagnosis.
This will be followed, on November 13, 14, and 15, by the Three-Day Pan-Cypriot Blue Bike Ride, with 30 cyclists from the KMeaters Association riding through cities and communities, spreading the message of awareness and early diagnosis throughout Cyprus. This year’s ride is dedicated to the memory of Popi Christoforou, who has long supported the work of Europa Uomo Cyprus.
New Ways to Raise Awareness and New Partnerships
Alongside its on-the-ground activities, Europa Uomo Cyprus is expanding the channels through which it informs and engages the public. Social media, the podcast, the Association’s website and magazine, as well as the Europa Uomo Europe chatbot, enhance access to useful and reliable information.
The Association’s ambassadors, Pavlos Kontidis and Markos Pagdatis, are also participating in this effort, playing a key role in conveying the message to younger generations.
During the press conference, mention was also made of Europa Uomo Cyprus’s affiliation with Allwyn Care, as well as the new partnership with Royal Caribbean, under which one of the company’s ships will be made available for a special event dedicated to the Association’s sponsors and supporters.
With this year’s program, Europa Uomo Cyprus aims to bring the message of prevention and early diagnosis closer to every man, every family, and every community in Cyprus.
