The Cyprus Cancer Archive and its Contribution to the Treatment of Cancer

Anna Dimitriou1, Nikos Katodrytis2, Anastasia Konstantinidou3, Pavlos Drakos4, Ioanna Grigoriou5

1 – Health Surveillance Statistical Unit Officer, Ministry of Health, 2 – Radiation Oncologist, Honorary Member of the Cyprus Oncology Society, 3 – Medical Oncologist, President of the Cyprus Oncology Society, 4 – Medical Oncologist, President of the National Cancer Committee, 5 – Senior Medical Officer, Ministry of Health

Summary
Cancer is one of the greatest challenges in the field of public health. The systematic collection of reliable data through national population registers is an integral part of the health policy of every developed country and is included in the action of the European Commission to combat cancer.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of operating a Cancer Registry and at the same time to inform about the way the Cyprus Cancer Registry operates.

The Cyprus Cancer Archive is the official mechanism for the systematic collection and processing of information related to cancer. It has been operating since 1990. It has information on cancer cases recorded (diagnosis and/or treatment) for the years 1998–2021, while data collection continues for the following years. It already plays an important role in the exchange of information with cooperating international databases and is a key source of information for the development of health policies and epidemiological studies at the local and international level.

In conclusion, the Cyprus Cancer Archive, with its long-standing experience, is considered a mature archive and compares favorably with the National Archives of other countries.