Signing of the Programme Agreement for the ‘National Cancer Action Plan’

The Deputy Minister of Health, Irini Agapidaki, and the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Professor Gerasimos Siasos, signed a programme agreement between the Ministry of Health and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) for the development of the “National Cancer Action Plan” for the period 2024–2028.

The purpose of this programme agreement is to establish a strategic framework for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in Greece, as well as a strategic framework for the development and implementation of palliative and supportive care. The development of this holistic national cancer plan will be carried out with the participation of as many stakeholders as possible, including Civil Society and Patient Associations.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of new diagnoses recorded each year. The creation of the National Cancer Action Plan will contribute to identifying critical objectives and establishing a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.

The signing of this programme agreement reaffirms the commitment of the Ministry of Health and NKUA to strengthening Public Health and supporting citizens in the fight against cancer. The National Action Plan will contribute to the effective management of the disease and create a safer environment for patients.

It is worth noting that, in the context of strengthening prevention, the Ministry of Health is promoting the National Prevention Programme “PROLAMBANO”, which aims to provide free preventive examinations for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Through these programmes, thousands of citizens have already benefited, highlighting the importance of preventive medicine in safeguarding public health.