PASYKAF celebrates 40 years of cancer support in Cyprus

On Thursday, the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF) celebrated its 40th anniversary during a commemorative event. Health Minister Neofytos Charalambidis, speaking on behalf of President Nikos Christodoulidis, honored the organization for its long-standing trust and support provided to patients and their families.

The association was founded four decades ago by 21 individuals, including cancer survivors, their relatives, and friends, at a time when the disease was largely associated with social stigma, silence, and isolation. The founders chose to break this silence and advocate for life after a cancer diagnosis.

Minister Charalambidis emphasized the state's responsibility to formulate a comprehensive national policy on cancer. This strategy aims to cover the entire spectrum of care, including prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, palliative care, research, and the systematic use of health data. The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that cancer does not deprive individuals of their dignity or their right to continue their lives, highlighting the collaborative relationship between the state and the association in addressing the ongoing challenges of the disease.