Stella Kyriakides announces cancer diagnosis and begins treatment

Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, announced on August 24, 2026, that she was diagnosed with gynecological cancer several weeks ago. She shared the news via a personal social media post, describing the initial period following the diagnosis as a time of significant anxiety and uncertainty.

Following a surgical procedure, her medical team at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre (BCOC) recommended a course of preventive chemotherapy to minimize the risk of the disease recurring. Ms. Kyriakides confirmed that she is scheduled to begin this treatment immediately. She expressed gratitude toward the healthcare professionals overseeing her care.

For Ms. Kyriakides, the battle against cancer is a lifelong commitment, as the disease has been a central focus of her public career, including her work with patients, researchers, and policymakers to advocate for early detection and equitable healthcare access. She emphasized that while cancer is part of her life, it does not define it, and she is approaching this recovery process with optimism and determination.