Cyprus Cancer Policy in European Spotlight: Forging Collaborations

See also: Launch of the Larnaka Call in Larnaka, 4 July - A long-term future for European action against cancer - Read more 

 

Every year, 4,500 Cypriots are diagnosed with cancer. While Cyprus has emerged as a European leader in cancer care, challenges threaten to slow its progress.

 

An estimated 21% of the population smokes daily, too few Cypriots are getting screened for cervical and colorectal cancers, and socio-economic inequalities continue to determine access to treatment. Cyprus has the opportunity to re-energise its national strategy against cancer. And there is no better time than now.

 

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) and Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF) brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient advocates for a focused policy event with a uniting goal: maintaining cancer care a priority for Cypriot decision makers.

 

During the event, ECO and PASYKAF unveiled the European Cancer Pulse Country Report for Cyprus: a snapshot of progress, strengths, and critical areas for improvement in the fight against cancer. 

 

The report is now available in English and Greek. 

02 July 2025 18:30 - 21:30 EEST

Inset
MAP Hotel, 15 Stasinou Street, 1060 Nicosia

country report cyprus page banner

The creation of the National Cancer Institute and the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU  provide a critical opportunity for Cyprus to renew the momentum of its National Cancer Strategy.

This Stakeholder Policy Forum called on the Cypriot cancer community to engage in a bold, solutions-focused dialogue to tackle fragmented care, reduce inequalities, and cement Cyprus’s role as a leader in European cancer policy.

Anchored by the data and insights of the new European Cancer Pulse Country Report, stakeholders examined current cancer policies, identified gaps and solutions, and offered examples of leadership and commitment within the European Union.

discover the report

Related Resources

  • Together Against Cancer: Cyprus
    visit
  • Time to Accelerate: Together Against Cancer Roadmap
    visit
  • European Cancer Pulse
    visit
  • Country Report: Cyprus (EN version)
    download
  • Country Report: Cyprus (GR version)
    download

Speakers

  • Michael Damianos Cyprus Minister of Health
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Marina Nikolaou MP Member, House Standing Committee on Health Affairs
  • Dr. Pavlos Drakos Pathologist-Oncologist & President of the National Cancer Committee
  • Antonis Tryphonos Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF
  • Anastasia Constantinidou Consultant Medical Oncologist, BOCOC & President of the Cyprus Oncology Society
show all speakers (16)

Speakers

  • Michael Damianos Cyprus Minister of Health
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Marina Nikolaou MP Member, House Standing Committee on Health Affairs
  • Dr. Pavlos Drakos Pathologist-Oncologist & President of the National Cancer Committee
  • Antonis Tryphonos Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF
  • Anastasia Constantinidou Consultant Medical Oncologist, BOCOC & President of the Cyprus Oncology Society
show all speakers (16)
  • Michael Damianos Cyprus Minister of Health
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Marina Nikolaou MP Member, House Standing Committee on Health Affairs
  • Dr. Pavlos Drakos Pathologist-Oncologist & President of the National Cancer Committee
  • Antonis Tryphonos Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF Read Bio
  • Anastasia Constantinidou Consultant Medical Oncologist, BOCOC & President of the Cyprus Oncology Society
  • Dr. Anna Achilleoudi President of the Board of Directors, PASYKAF
  • Prof. Constantinos Pattichis Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National eHealth Authority
  • Prof. Dr. Constantinos Zamboglou, PhD, MD, MHBA Deputy Medical Director, German Medical Institute Read Bio
  • Dr. Yiola Marcou Consultant Medical Oncologist, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center (BoCOC)
  • Dr. Georgios Markides Consultant General Surgeon, Aretaeio Hospital Nicosia
  • Tina Rossidou Psychologist & National Manager of Psychosocial Services, Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society Read Bio
  • Dr. Maria Pittaka Deputy Director of Oncology Department, Nicosia General Hospital, State Health Services Organisation Read Bio
  • Dr. Katerina Georgiadi Consultant in Palliative Medicine (MRCP), PASIKAF Read Bio
  • Andreas Charalambous Past-President, European Cancer Organisation Read Bio
  • Elisabetta Zanon Chief Executive, European Cancer Organisation

Speakers

  • Michael Damianos Cyprus Minister of Health
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Marina Nikolaou MP Member, House Standing Committee on Health Affairs
  • Dr. Pavlos Drakos Pathologist-Oncologist & President of the National Cancer Committee
  • Antonis Tryphonos Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF
  • Anastasia Constantinidou Consultant Medical Oncologist, BOCOC & President of the Cyprus Oncology Society
show all speakers (16)

Programme

Master of Ceremony: Koulla Themistokleous, Cancer Prevention and Awareness Officer, PASYKAF

18:00-18:30
Registration
18:30-18:40
Opening remarks: Leading the Way - Cyprus’s Strategic Role in Cancer Policy
 
  • Dr. Anna Achilleoudi, President of the Board of Directors, PASYKAF
  • Andreas Charalambous, Past-President, European Cancer Organisation [video]
  • Elisabetta Zanon, Chief Executive, European Cancer Organisation
18:40-18:45
Welcome address
   
  • Michael Damianos, Cyprus Minister of Health [video]
18:45-18:55 
The Significance of EU Cancer Policy for Cyprus: Insights and Implementation
 
  •  Stella Kyriakides, Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
18:55-19:00
Time to Accelerate Campaign
 
  • Marion L’hôte, Senior Policy Officer, European Cancer Organisation
19:00-19:25
Roundtable Discussion
How can EU cancer policy best support Cyprus’ efforts?
 

Moderator: Marion L’hôte, Senior Policy Officer, European Cancer Organisation

  • Marina Nikolaou MP, Member, House Standing Committee on Health Affairs
  • Anastasia Constantinidou,  Consultant Medical Oncologist, BOCOC & President, Cyprus Oncology Society
  • Prof. Dr. Constantinos Zamboglou, PhD, MD, MHBA, Deputy Medical Director, German Medical Institute

  • Prof. Constantinos Pattichis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National eHealth Authority
19:25-19:35
The National Cancer Institute - A Milestone in Cyprus' Cancer Strategy
 
  •  Dr. Pavlos Drakos, Pathologist-Oncologist & President of the National Cancer Committee
19:35-19:40
Presentation of the European Cancer Pulse Country Report for Cyprus
 
  •  Norbert Couespel, Policy Research and EU Projects Manager, European Cancer Organisation
19:40-20:05
Roundtable Discussion
How can Cyprus’ Cancer care reach the next level?
 

Moderator: Antonis Tryphonos, Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF  

  • Dr. Yiola Marcou, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center (BoCOC)
  • Dr. Georgios Markides, Consultant General Surgeon, Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia
  • Dr. Katerina Georgiadi, Consultant in Palliative Medicine (MRCP), PASYKAF
  • Tina Rossidou, Psychologist & National Manager of Psychosocial Services, Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society
  • Dr. Maria Pittaka, Deputy Director of Oncology Department, Nicosia General Hospital, State Health Services Organisation
  • Agathi Skoutari, Member of the Board of Directors, PASYKAF
20:05-20:10
Closing remarks
 
  • Antonis Tryphonos, Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF 
  • Elisabetta Zanon, Chief Executive, European Cancer Organisation 
20:10-21:30
Networking reception

 

Speakers

  • Michael Damianos Cyprus Minister of Health
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Marina Nikolaou MP Member, House Standing Committee on Health Affairs
  • Dr. Pavlos Drakos Pathologist-Oncologist & President of the National Cancer Committee
  • Antonis Tryphonos Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF
  • Anastasia Constantinidou Consultant Medical Oncologist, BOCOC & President of the Cyprus Oncology Society
show all speakers (16)

Speakers

  • Michael Damianos Cyprus Minister of Health
  • Stella Kyriakides Former European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
  • Marina Nikolaou MP Member, House Standing Committee on Health Affairs
  • Dr. Pavlos Drakos Pathologist-Oncologist & President of the National Cancer Committee
  • Antonis Tryphonos Chief of Staff & Director of Patient Support Services, PASYKAF
  • Anastasia Constantinidou Consultant Medical Oncologist, BOCOC & President of the Cyprus Oncology Society
show all speakers (16)