A significant rise in childhood cancer cases over the past decade has raised concern, with environmental health expert Professor Constantinos Makris calling for more scientific research and targeted prevention policies.
Speaking to CyBC, Makris, Professor of Environmental Health at the Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), said that while treatment for childhood cancer has improved considerably, prevention remains limited because the causes behind the increase are still not fully understood.
Lack of data hampers prevention
Makris said the key question is why Cyprus has experienced a much greater increase in childhood cancer cases than many other European countries.
“We do not have the high-quality data or scientific observatories needed to understand the problem and develop effective prevention policies,” he said.
He rejected suggestions that the rise is mainly due to improved diagnosis or surveillance, noting that while this may explain some increases in adult cancers, it is unlikely to account for the trend in childhood cancer.
Focus on environmental factors
The professor said genetic factors are unlikely to explain such a rapid increase because a population’s genetic profile does not change significantly within a decade.
Instead, he urged researchers to focus on non-genetic influences, particularly the exposome, the total environmental exposures experienced throughout a child’s life.
Possible contributing factors include air and water quality, diet, exposure to chemicals, sedentary lifestyles, screen time and socioeconomic conditions. He also said there may be environmental risk factors that have not yet been identified by the scientific community.
WHO data highlights rising trend
Makris said data from the World Health Organization database indicate that Cyprus has recorded the largest increase in new childhood cancer cases among the European countries included in his comparison.
According to him, the upward trend has been consistent throughout the past decade and is statistically significant.
He said the findings should serve as a warning for the government to invest more in research, surveillance and prevention.
Health must remain a priority
Makris also noted that international public health policy is increasingly focusing on sustainable development, with the World Health Organization and the United Nations promoting models that combine economic growth with the protection of health, the environment and quality of life.
He concluded by saying that although many countries still lack comprehensive national strategies, Cyprus has important advantages, including a highly educated population and high life expectancy, which could support the development of effective public health policies.
“Whatever financial benefits are provided to improve wellbeing, without health there can be no real quality of life,” he said.
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