Nicosia: Health Minister, Michael Damianos, announced plans to enhance healthcare services for children diagnosed with cancer in Cyprus. He highlighted that annually, 22 new cases of cancer are identified in children aged between 0-14, accounting for 1% of all cancer patients in the country. Additionally, there are 16 reported cases among adolescents aged 15-19.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Damianos made this commitment during a speech at the Children’s Charity Festival held in Lagoudera. He emphasized the current reliance on the Makarios Hospital in Nicosia, the sole tertiary care referral center for pediatric cancer patients in Cyprus. For the most critical cases, the Ministry of Health arranges for treatment abroad, supported by a financial assistance scheme.
Damianos also revealed plans for the establishment of a Children’s Oncology Clinic adjacent to Makarios Hospital. This development is made possible by an 8 million euro donation from the Kleanthous Foundation, which aims to provide specialized care and improve treatment options for young cancer patients in Cyprus.