Kyriakides: 'Cancer Research Institute a jewel for our country'

The Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) is a jewel for our country, according to EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, who visited the University of Cyprus construction site on Friday. The President of the institution, a Professor of Physics at the University of Cyprus, Constantinos Christofides, gave Kyriakides a tour of the newly constructed facilities.

Initially, the EU Health Commissioner stated that the Cyprus Cancer Research Institute is "a center of excellence and a jewel for our country, which was able to move forward thanks to a significant donation from the George and Kaity David Foundation." She went on to say that the Institute is a collaboration between the University of Cyprus, the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre, and the Karaiskakio Foundation.

Cancer research, according to Kyriakides, is a key component of the European cancer strategy. "Perhaps what we don't realize is the importance of research in cancer treatment, how research can very quickly produce a result for the patient, both for prevention and treatment," she said. "Having this Institute in Cyprus is very important for the European strategy we are developing," she said.

In response to a question about the status of cancer research in Cyprus, the EU Health Commissioner stated that she has been informed of a number of studies, but that there are many more that are pioneering and directly related to patients, their treatment, and their quality of life.

Furthermore, Kyriakides stated, "we should be very proud of the research that is being done at the University of Cyprus, the Karaiskakio Foundation, and the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre." She also stated that "the Cyprus Cancer Research Institute, in collaboration with the other institutions, will provide us with a new strength in the field of cancer research more broadly in Europe, not just in Cyprus." Finally, she expressed her gratitude to George and Kaity David, who are responsible for the construction of the institution, which will be named Nicola David Pinedo in honor of their daughter.