EU Commissioner advocates equal cancer treatment across member states

"Our aim, through the European Cancer Plan, is to ensure equal treatment for all member states in tackling the disease," stated Stella Kyriakides, the EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner, on Thursday. She emphasized the significance of prevention and diagnosis in the fight against cancer during her visit to Paphos.

Kyriakides expressed satisfaction with the work being done on palliative care issues during her visit to the offices of the Paphos Pancyprian Association of Cancer Patients and Friends. Recognizing Paphos as a province with unique treatment challenges due to its distance from oncology centers, she highlighted the allocation of over €5 billion for the European Cancer Plan. This funding will support a comprehensive approach encompassing cancer prevention, palliative care, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.

The Commissioner then visited the Mammography Control Centre in Geroskipou, describing it as an exemplary model. She expressed great satisfaction as the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety to witness a Mammography Control Centre in her own country that adheres to established standards. Kyriakides commended the staff and the Director of the Ministry of Health, Ms. Giannakis, for their dedicated efforts in expanding population-based breast cancer screening programs and providing services to women aged 45-74.

When asked about Cyprus' response to prevention and treatment issues, Kyriakides highlighted their specific program aimed at identifying inequalities in Oncology Services across Member States. The goal is to offer support from the European Commission and ensure that all patients receive equal treatment regardless of their country of residence. She also emphasized Cyprus' longstanding breast cancer screening program, initiated in 2003-2004, which has since been upgraded with modern mammography technology and adheres to age standards.

In conclusion, Kyriakides urged women to heed invitations from the Ministry of Health to undergo mammograms, emphasizing the life-saving potential of early diagnosis. She expressed pride in the opportunities available to Cypriots and encouraged the utilization of these resources.