Doctors demand the urgent restoration of the cancer registry

The Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (KTTB) stated that a serious problem has developed in the country with the registration of cancer cases. According to doctors, the cancer registration system in Northern Cyprus has effectively stopped working, and without accurate data it is impossible to plan treatment, the purchase of medicines, and early detection programs.

Pathologist Dr. Minel Özen recalled that the Cancer Registration Law was adopted back in 2018, but has never come into force — the secondary legislation has not been prepared, and the registry center has been left without staff. Currently only one employee works there, and the doctor’s position has been vacant since February 2025.

KTTB emphasizes that the compiled data for 2012–2022 and 2023–2024 were not оформлены as a National Cancer Report and were not published. According to doctors, this seriously complicates the fight against cancer and the planning of resources.

The association calls on the Ministry of Health to immediately activate the law, complete the necessary procedures, strengthen the cancer registry with personnel and a technical base, and publish up-to-date data. The medical community stresses that without full statistics it is impossible to assess risks, build screening programs, and provide patients with timely treatment.