Free skin cancer screening to cover everyone
Health Ministry is preparing to launch a new free screening programme for skin cancer, extending organized preventive checks to the general population for the first time.
The programme will use the country's Primary Healthcare network, with particular emphasis on people with prolonged exposure to sunlight, including farmers, fishermen and outdoor workers, as well as residents of remote, mountainous and island areas.
Screening moves closer to citizens
Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki said the programme will be financed through the EU-funded NSRF and will use Health Centers, Mobile Health Units and specialized clinics in public hospitals across Greece.
The initial dermatological examination will be carried out through Primary Healthcare services. Suspected findings will then be assessed by specialized dermatologists and dermatologic oncologists at designated Reference Centers.
The initiative is being developed in cooperation with the Andreas Syngros Hospital in Athens, Ippokrateio General Hospital in Thessaloniki and other specialized clinics and centers.
Telemedicine supports remote areas
Authorities plan to use telemedicine, specialized equipment and artificial intelligence to expand access to expert assessment.
Primary healthcare units have been equipped with dermatoscopes, specialized cameras and smartphones supporting teledermatology applications.
Artificial intelligence tools will also be introduced to assist doctors in evaluating findings, while clinical decisions will remain with healthcare professionals.
Mobile Health Units will play a particular role in reaching people who face geographical or occupational barriers to healthcare.
Patients to receive follow-up care
The programme is designed to ensure that citizens with suspicious findings do not get lost in the healthcare system after their initial screening.
Reference hospitals, surgical departments and melanoma centers will provide further assessment and treatment when necessary, with a defined follow-up pathway for patients requiring additional care.
Standardized data collection will also allow authorities to monitor the needs of the population and use screening results to improve future health policies.
Prevention programme expands through 2030
Agapidaki said the wider "Prolambano" prevention programme has already provided free screening to almost 6.9 million people, identifying nearly 300,000 cases requiring further medical intervention.
She said the programme has helped shift Greece's public health approach from treating people after they become ill toward preventing disease and detecting it at an earlier stage.
With the programme now extended through 2030, the government plans to expand preventive screening into additional areas, including skin cancer.
The broader goal, Agapidaki said, is to increase the number of years people live in good health rather than simply extend life while living with preventable disease.
