Where you can get help in Cyprus
The Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends
(Pa.sy.ka.f) Registered charity No: 525
Every year in Cyprus, 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. There are approximately 15,000 cancer patients in Cyprus at any one time. Due to the demand for patient services, today the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends employs a team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and social workers supported by professional administrators and communicators.
The main objectives of our association are:
* To promote public awareness regarding prevention and early detection of cancer
* To educate health care professionals in oncology and palliative care
* To provide services to improve the quality of life for patients and their families
Public Awareness
We have produced a wide range of publications which are distributed to local communities through schools and public institutions. Presentations and lectures are regularly organised within the towns and also the remote villages.
Education of Health Professionals
We regularly organise and host international and national conferences and seminars. Funding for postgraduate studies in the field of cancer and palliative care is also provided for doctors, nurses, psychologists and paramedical staff.
Provision of Services
Our services are concerned with the provision of care to patients and families in the community. We care for adults with the diagnosis of cancer at any stage of the disease.
Our services are provided in every district of Cyprus and are all free of charge.
Home Care
Continuing care is provided to patients who require nursing and medical support in the comfort of their own home. Support provided may involve short episodes of care during any stage of therapy. For patients who have advanced disease the aim of care delivery is to promote comfort by relieving pain and other distressing symptoms. Maintaining dignity and patient autonomy is an integral part of our care commitment.
Day Care
Patients enjoy a social and activity group which provides companionship, friendship and support. Activities include music, exercises, craftwork and excursions.
Psychology and Social Support
Patients and relatives are offered group support, self help or individual therapy and guidance during the course of the illness and in bereavement.
Physiotherapy
Home Care team is complemented by the provision of physiotherapy which assists in the rehabilitation of patients following therapy or simply to promote wellbeing and quality of life. Practical aids are also loaned, such as wheelchairs, pressure relieving mattresses, etc.
Lymphoedema Service
For patients who have received treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy and potentially can experience swelling of limbs, we provide information, advice and treatment / management.
Post Mastectomy Support
Following breast surgery ladies can receive advice and be provided with a choice of prosthesis and underwear.
Transport Service
For those who experience difficulty in finding transport to attend their oncology appointment in Nicosia , our free bus service which operates on Monday – Friday. This service is available in all districts.
The Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends is a non-governmental organisation and depends on fundraising events and public donations in order to maintain the provision of the above services, the running costs of which exceed the amount of £700.000,per annum.
If you want to become a member or a volunteer; or to find more information about our events and our local charity shops; or to make a donation; or to arrange for a lecture/ presentation for your community or Organisation and create awareness on cancer prevention amongst your colleagues, please:
- contact the branch of the Association in your district:
Nicosia tel: 22 345444, Limassol tel: 25 747750, Larnaca tel: 24 665198, Paphos tel: 26 952478, Famagusta tel: 23 730460 - or email us: caocpat1@cytanet.com.cy
- or look at our website: www.cancercare.org.cy
THE MARGUERITE CANCER PATIENT SUPPORT TEAM – CYPRUS
The founder of the group is MARGARITA GRITSOPOULOS who has herself been treated for cancer. She has put together a team of people, some of whom have had cancer themselves, or have relatives and friends who have been treated for the illness.
The team is motivated to give a helping hand to patients who find they not only have to cope with the struggle to survive cancer, but also find themselves in dire economic straits. The aim of the team is to give immediate temporary relief, be it financial or moral support.
The Marguerite daisy has been chosen as the emblem for the team and anyone joining as a member or who participates in fundraising becomes another link in the daisy chain.
Contact Margarita Gritsopoulos
FAX 25-432773
MOB 99332548
THE CYPRUS ANTI – CANCER SOCIETY
Current projects include
Financing a Hospice in Nicosia which takes 23 patients, who do not pay for the services provided, such as doctors, nurses, medicine, food.
Provision of free transport to Nicosia from Larnaca, Limassol and soon Paphos for consultations or treatment.
Home Nursing Care provided for patients
Day Care Service where patients can attend the day care centre and enjoy craftwork, music, exercises and friendship.
Financial help considered for needy patients
Treatment of Patients overseas
The Cyprus Government pays the costs incurred by patients needing treatment abroad, but the Society helps members of the family accompany the patient.
Research.
Cypriot doctors are funded to attend symposiums abroad. Symposiums are also held in Cyprus for doctors from countries such as US, UK, Greece and Germany. The Society pays their expenses.
Contact 25372990 (Office)
Office hours Monday, Wednesday 8am – 2pm 3pm – 6pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8am- 2pm
Or Mr. Artemis Zachariou – mobile – 99461656, Web: http://www.anticancersociety.org.cy
Friends for Life Limassol Hospice
‘Local care for local people www.friendsforlife.org.cy
Friends for Life’ is a Registered Charitable Association which provides hospice care for people in the Limassol District. We have three designated beds at The Chrysovalantou Clinic, Limassol and we provide free care to patients for respite care, symptom control or end of life care
‘Friends for Life’ consists of a group of people who, like most of you today, have known and been emotionally affected by someone with a terminal illness, whether it be a relative, a friend or a colleague.
‘Friends for Life’ recognizes the need for a Hospice for the care of terminally ill patients, regardless of nationality or religion, which will supplement and enhance the care already available in the area.
The Friends’ Hospice Paphos
www.paphoshospice.org
An Independent Charity, approved by The Ministry of Finance of the Government of Cyprus: ref: 13.36.002.04. Affiliated to the International World Wide Hospice & PCO.