Pasykaf has supported cancer patients and families for four decades, minister says

Nicosia, Cyprus. The pancyprian association of cancer patients and friends (Pasykaf) has stood beside patients and their families for four decades, Deputy Social Welfare Minister Tina Pavlou said on Friday. She said a cancer diagnosis changes daily life and family relationships, bringing anxiety, uncertainty, fear and the need to adapt.

Support beyond the patient

Pavlou said people close to a patient often struggle to know what to say, how to help or how to find the strength to support them. Pasykaf’s specialised psychological and social support extends to families, caregivers and others around the patient, she said, adding that its presence during difficult periods can make a difference.

State cooperation and benefits

Ensuring families receive support when they need it is a basic responsibility of the state, Pavlou said. She said that work depends on cooperation among ministries, government agencies, professionals and the public.

The deputy ministry continues to work with Pasykaf and funds its social support service through the state aid scheme. The service provides psychosocial care, information, guidance and referrals to other services.

Pavlou said internal procedures at the welfare benefits management service aim to speed up applications from cancer patients. People managing a serious illness and its effects on their families should not, where avoidable, face additional hardship or unnecessary bureaucracy, she said.