President announces allowance and free transport for vulnerable breast cancer patients

Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Saturday evening a monthly allowance for vulnerable breast cancer patients during treatment and for up to 12 months afterwards, alongside free transport for patients from rural areas to oncology centres. The two measures follow suggestions by Europa Donna Cyprus.

Announcement at annual awareness march

Christodoulides was addressing the March with the Pink Figures at the old GSP in Nicosia, an annual event raising awareness of female cancers.

Participants carry pink figures, one for each woman diagnosed in the past year. White figures represent women who died, while blue figures represent men diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The most important thing, as I promised during the first march I participated in, is to move forward and announce new policies each time,” he said.

Access to care and support after treatment

Christodoulides said cancer care involves diagnosis and the quality and speed of treatment, which should not depend on patients’ place of residence or financial circumstances.

He also stressed the need for a holistic approach that includes rehabilitation, psychological support and helping patients return to work and their daily lives.

Role of the National Cancer Institute

Referring to the establishment of the National Cancer Institute and the appointment of its first board of directors, Christodoulides said they would contribute substantially to implementing this approach, covering prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, research, rehabilitation and post-treatment follow-up.

He described Europa Donna as a partner and companion of the state and expressed confidence that their cooperation would be further strengthened through the operation of the National Cancer Institute.