Nicosia, Cyprus. Osak’s Standing Cancer Committee chair Antonis Tryfonos said World Cancer Day is a reminder that cancer affects people and families, not just statistics. He also announced that former EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides will serve as the federation’s special advisor on cancer strategy.
Tryfonos highlights role of media and patient organisations
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Tryfonos underlined the decisive role of the mass media in shaping a well-documented and humane public discourse on cancer. He said that without proper information and without an alliance with the media, no substantial change can be established.
Tryfonos said the Standing Cancer Committee, established under the federation of patients’ associations (Osak), serves as a collaborative platform for dialogue, cooperation, and collective representation of patient organisations. He added that its primary goal is to jointly shape cancer policies that prioritize patients at the heart of decision-making.
Kyriakides frames cancer as political and social justice issue
In her statement, Kyriakides described cancer as an issue of political and social justice, saying prevention, early diagnosis, access to quality care and dignified support for people with cancer are directly affected by political choices and institutional decisions.
Referring to her experience during her EU term, she said she observed inequalities between countries and social groups, and underlined that health is a right and not a privilege.
Call for national cancer institute
Kyriakides emphasised the need to create a national cancer institute to plan, coordinate and comprehensively evaluate cancer policy. She said such an institute should have a clear institutional framework, adequate funding, operational independence and substantial participation by patient organisations.
What changes would you like to see in how cancer policy is planned and evaluated in your country?
