Stella Kyriakides announces cancer diagnosis and begins treatment

On August 24, 2026, Stella Kyriakides, the former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with gynecological cancer a few weeks earlier. Following a surgical procedure, her medical team at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre recommended preventive chemotherapy to minimize the risk of recurrence. Kyriakides confirmed that she is beginning the treatment immediately and expressed gratitude for the care she has received.

In her public statement, Kyriakides described the diagnosis as a period of significant anxiety and uncertainty, emphasizing that she is once again in the position of a patient. She noted that her lifelong advocacy for cancer awareness and research, including her work on the European Plan for Beating Cancer, has prepared her for this challenge. She highlighted the importance of early screening and stated that she faces this new battle with strength and optimism.

Following the announcement, public support was expressed by various figures, including the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, who praised Kyriakides' courage and contribution to the healthcare system. The treatment phase is currently underway as part of her recovery process.