Services provided by the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society
The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society (founded in 1971), is a non-profit organisation that aims to provide all our fellow human beings that are suffering from cancer with comprehensive palliative care services in accordance with international standards, to support their families and caregivers as well as to inform the general public on matters relating to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and relief of cancer.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is the holistic care of patients and their families by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, in addition to specialised treatment. It can be applied, depending on the case, from the beginning of the diagnosis and during the course of the disease. Its aim is to improve the quality of life of patients, by managing pain and other symptoms as well as providing psychological, social and spiritual support.
Our services are supported by a multidisciplinary team specialised in Palliative Care which consists of:
The team is supported by spiritual community and volunteers.
Our goal is to truly stand by each patient's side during difficult times, which is why we are constantly upgrading our services to meet the rapidly changing needs of cancer patients.
All services at the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society are offered free of charge, regardless of the patient's financial situation, origin or religion.
"Arodaphnousa" Palliative Care Centre, Nicosia
At the "Arodaphnousa" Centre, comprehensive Palliative Care services are offered to patients suffering from cancer, either in-hospital (26 single-bed rooms) or out-patient.
Inpatient services include pain and other symptom management, supportive care (such as transfusions, hydration, etc.), accommodation/hospitalisation of patients undergoing treatment (radiation or chemotherapy) in oncology centres, short-stay patients for rest and family support, hospitality and comprehensive care of end-stage patients, etc.
Outpatient services include visits to the Centre’ s doctors, physical therapy, lymphedema treatments, aromatherapy, psychological, social and spiritual support and lending of supportive medical equipment.
"Evagorion" Palliative Care Centre, Limassol
The "Evagorion" Palliative Care Centre provides day care which includes transfusions, hydrations, therapeutic serums, blood tests for analyses, wound care, etc. depending on the needs of the patient. At the "Evagorion" Centre there are 6 beds for day care, as well as a physical therapy area, rooms for psychological and social support and other supportive areas. The Centre provides pain management services, administration of medication and lending of supportive medical equipment.
Home Nursing Care
The Service supports cancer patients by providing them with holistic human-centred and affordable nursing care at home. The Service is provided by specialised nursing staff and in collaboration with patients, families and their attending physicians, a personalised care programme is created based on the special needs of each individual patient.
In the Nicosia and Limassol districts, a 24-hour patient service is provided by specially trained staff that is On Call for emergencies.
This Service is offered in cases where the patient needs help to deal with various symptoms, mainly during the afternoons, at night, on weekends and holidays. It is available in all towns and villages of Cyprus.
Psychological Support
The Psychological Support Service helps patients cope with the changes and difficulties brought about by the disease. The Service is also available to patients’ relatives who need psychological support and/or counselling.
Psychologists support patients in managing their emotions, teaching them ways to cope with challenges and changes brought about by cancer, at all stages of the disease, from the announcement of the diagnosis, treatments, the reintegration process in everyday life, and even relapse and bereavement.
The Psychological Support Service is available in all districts of Cyprus, at the facilities of the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society or in patients' homes.
Social Support
The Social Services of the Society provide social support services and programmes to cancer patients and their families. Social workers review and assess patient requests, and provide advice and guidance. When, and if deemed necessary, the Social Services refer patients to relevant departments and bodies of the State and the community.
The Service is offered in all districts of Cyprus, at the facilities of the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society, at the various oncology centres, institutions, other hospitals or even in patients' homes.
Physiotherapy and Lymphedema Clinic
The Physiotherapy Service provides classic methods of physical therapy, as well as specialised handling of cases of lymphedema. In the context of palliative care, physiotherapy aims to provide patients with maximum possible relief, while maintaining the highest possible level of functionality and autonomy throughout the course of the disease.
The Service is offered in all districts of Cyprus, at the facilities of the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society, in hospitals or in patients' homes.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is a complementary treatment in which essential oils are used to help patients relax and relieve the symptoms of a medical condition. The team of aromatherapists at the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society consists of specially trained professionals to serve the needs of cancer patients. Aromatherapy is beneficial for any person who is sick because it expresses affection and care, and removes pain and stress.
Patient Transport Services
Every day, the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society transports patients from the districts of Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta to Nicosia (Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre and Nicosia General Hospital Oncology Department) and Limassol (German Oncology Centre, Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus Oncology Department and Oncology Department of the Limassol General Hospital), for their visits to the doctor, examinations and/or treatments.
Fotini Pallikaridou