In Cyprus, about 3.500 new cases of cancer are recorded every year and the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center is located next to the Cypriot cancer patient and his relatives, to treat and advise for the best possible treatment of cancer.
This was stated by Androulla Vassiliou, former EU Health Commissioner, at a press conference at the Ministry of Health on the occasion of the 4th of February, World Cancer Day, noting that "with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Bank of Cyprus, the replacement of all three lines of the Center with state-of-the-art linear accelerators ".
The first linear accelerator is expected to be operational in July, with work expected to be completed early next year.
As Ms. Vassiliou said, "this year, the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, which is accredited with the international quality criterion CHKS, completes 20 years of supply with 36.400 and more patients registered".
He added that "last year, the Center recorded 51.479 visits to outpatient clinics, 11.540 sessions of chemotherapy and hormone therapy and 34.486 sessions of radiotherapy."
Ms. Vassiliou said that "with the collective support of the patients' associations, the experience of the doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff of the Center and the continuous technological upgrade, we all succeed in dealing with and fighting cancer every day".
He noted that "at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center we act holistically through multidisciplinary teams, in which health professionals decide on the optimal and personalized treatment of the patient based on internationally recognized protocols. The Center is also supported by the services of a psychologist, nutritionist and soon a physiotherapist ".
In her greeting, Androula Vassiliou said that "early diagnosis is very important, as most cancers can be cured if diagnosed early".
He said: "According to an article in Thursday in the medical journal THE LANCET, the survival of cancer patients is generally improving around the world so we should all follow the recommendations of health professionals and conduct the appropriate diagnostic tests they suggest."
"We must devote the necessary time to prevent cancer and treat it in its early stages," said Ms. Vassiliou.
For the motto of this year's World Cancer Day, "We can! I can! ", Mrs. Vassiliou, stated that" she approaches the treatment of cancer in a positive, global and preventive way, emphasizing that there are solutions that are possible, but need targeted and systematic action ".
He added that "the campaign for World Cancer Day focuses on both collective and individual actions as cancer affects not only the patient, but the whole family and those around him."
"Each of us can and must contribute to tackling the problem that plagues the patient and his environment," said Ms. Vassiliou, concluding.
As part of the information week, events will be held in all cities in order to raise public awareness on issues related to prevention and early diagnosis.
The Pancyprian Cancer Enlightenment Campaign is jointly organized by the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Association, PASYKAF, Europa Donna Cyprus, Europa Uomo Cyprus, the Karaiskakeio Foundation, the Christina Apostolou Foundation, the Kyolikos Dietetic Association and the Dietetic Association Medical Students Association, coordinated by the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center and supported by the National Cancer Committee. The campaign is under the auspices of the Ministry of Health.
Source: KYPE