Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis received the self-test for colon cancer, within the framework of the National Prevention Program “PROLAMBANO”, during a morning visit to a pharmacy in the center of Athens.
“It is very important for us to launch a large program of preventive examinations. As you remember, he started the “Fofi Gennimata” Program to detect breast cancer – in fact, today is World Breast Cancer Day – a program that was very successful.because it allowed us to identify many women who had early signs of breast cancer, without knowing it”, said the Prime Minister.
He said: “With so much emphasis on prevention, it is very important to continue this program for other diseases. And here we should say that this test to detect signs that may indicate that a person may be a candidate for colon cancer is now available free of charge to our fellow citizens between 50 and 69 years of age. It’s a very easy test. Other citizens of this age group have received this message. Don’t ignore it because prevention saves lives.
A positive test does not, in any case, mean that a person has cancer. However, it is a sign so we can proceed with further tests. I should also emphasize that the entire process is free and covered in case the test is positive”.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis the pharmacist informed about the test and regarding the response of citizens to the program.
Pharmacist Kyriakos Mitsotakis informed about the conduct of the test and the response of citizens to the program. [Γ.Τ. ΠΡΩΘΥΠΟΥΡΓΟΥ via ΙΝΤΙΜΕ]
“We have seen a lot of interest. The picture is very positive. They used to think about it and now they are inspired by the campaign that is being done and the message that they have received. About 100 people have been taken from our pharmacy so far,” said the pharmacist.
The Prime Minister indicated that “The main message that we need to get across, and we need you as partners in this effort, is to fight fear, because it is a simple test, but we are all afraid. And if we learn something we don’t want to know? The answer to that is that the sooner we know something we might have, the better chance we have of dealing with it.”
Mr Mitsotakis said: “And especially for colon cancer, early diagnosis means a complete cure. So it is very important to promote this program.
And for me it’s also the best proof that we need to have a state that takes care of the citizens in the end, and the best care we can provide is to invest in prevention. Always when we think of health issues, you know, we just think of hospitals. And of course we are making a big effort to improve the quality of the services provided in our hospitals, but the big bet is that we will not reach the hospitals”.
The prime minister emphasized that “the more we invest in prevention and public health, the fewer cases we will ultimately have of our fellow citizens going to hospital, putting their lives at risk or, even if they succeed, suffering too much. But, h Prevention saves lives. However, we want you as allies in this great endeavor.”
“We are trying, and I think the answer is very positive and we will continue at a fast pace,” noted the pharmacist.
The colon cancer prevention program targets 3.8 million men and women, aged 50-69, and includes free self-testing and, in case of a positive result on the self-test, a free visit to a gastroenterologist for a clinical assessment, diagnostic colonoscopy and biopsy. To date, referrals have been issued to 1,461,560 beneficiaries.
Source: RES-MPE