Putting patients, prevention, and public trust at the heart of cancer care, the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients & Friends (PASYKAF) has been a key advocate for people affected by cancer for decades, both nationally and internationally.
PASYKAF is a voluntary, non-governmental health organisation bringing together more than 5,500 members and 750 volunteers. Its mission focuses on (i) promote cancer prevention and early detection and (ii) ensure high-quality cancer management, from using the most up to date prevention practices and organised population screening programmes to high-quality treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care services. Within the cancer control domain, PASYKAF actively runs public awareness campaigns, supports and educates healthcare professionals, and consistently advocates for patients’ rights. In parallel, its dedicated research department addresses social and health-related challenges through participation in collaborative and competitive research calls at national, European, and international levels. PASYKAF maintains active memberships in numerous European and global organisations, leveraging its extensive experience in areas like telemedicine and policy advocacy to contribute to project development, exploitation, and sustainability plans, while also promoting advancements in cancer-related healthcare and patient rights through robust local, European, and international collaborations and awareness campaigns. Through its strong advocacy background and extensive collaboration network, PASYKAF contributes to innovation that is inclusive, trusted, and closely aligned with real patient needs.
Within the IFIGENEIA project, PASYKAF plays a central role in strengthening education, inclusion, and engagement activities. As part of WP2, Education, Dissemination, Inclusion and Diversity, PASYKAF contributes to the co-creation of training modules for healthcare providers, organises patient-centred workshops highlighting the benefits of nuclear medicine, and supports citizen engagement initiatives. The organisation is also involved in WP5, Business plan for end users, from science to business, including spin-offs, as well as WP6, Mentoring, ensuring that patient perspectives, societal impact, and sustainability are fully integrated into the project’s outcomes.
