A comprehensive strategy to fight cancer is demanded

 

Statement by the General Secretary of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou at the 32nd PASYKAF Campaign ‘Together in Life’

4 October 2023, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The need for a comprehensive strategy to combat was highlighted by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, during the delivery of the Party’s financial contribution within the context of the 32nd Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF) ‘Together in Life’ Information and Financial Support Campaign.

“According to recent statistics, 4,000 new cases of cancer are recorded every year in Cyprus. In a few years cancer will be the leading cause of death across the EU” said Stefanos Stefanou, noting that “all this demonstrates the need for the elaboration of a comprehensive strategy to fight cancer, for all the necessary structures and infrastructures. We need prevention, care, treatment and support for these people going through cancer”.

The General Secretary of AKEL recalled that “AKEL, contributing to this effort, has submitted a bill proposal on the Right to Forgiveness” with the aim, as he said, “to ensure equal access to insurance services for people who have gone through cancer”. “We believe that with this proposal we are taking another step to complete the whole edifice that needs to be in place in relation to cancer patients,” he said.

Finally, expressing gratitude for the work being done by PASYKAF and all the volunteers, Stefanos Stefanou handed over AKEL’s contribution “in recognition of the work done by PASYKAF and support for its work”. Furthermore, he stressed the “need for society to remain in solidarity with people suffering from cancer, people who have had cancer and relatives who are suffering with cancer patients. We need to remind the state and all of us who hold public office that we must always contribute, offer care and support to people who need support, let alone cancer patients.”

Noting finally that there are indeed many volunteers, the General Secretary of AKEL described as extremely optimistic the fact that “in Cypriot society the feeling of solidarity and caring for our fellow human being is still high and this is a ray of hope for all of us”.