Milestones

  • 1971

    The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society is officially registered with the Department of Registrar of Companies. Creation of the first Board of Directors chaired by Hakop Keheyan.

  • 1972

    A press conference is organised to inform and raise awareness on cancer among general public for the first time in Cyprus.

  • 1973

    The architect Pefkios Georgiades presents the first plans for the construction of the hospice.

  • 1974
    • The construction of a hospice is considered urgent and necessary, despite the tragic days that Cyprus is going through.
    • The hospice is called “Arodafnousa” and is set to be a home of comfort and care for cancer patients.
  • 1976
    • Dr. Dimitris Souliotis proposes to organise a march in memory of his cancer patient Christodoula, to financially support the Society and raise public awareness on cancer.
    • Introduction of Palliative Medicine.
    • Volunteers begin to embrace the work of the Society.
  • 1989

    The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society calls on international experts to carry out research on cancer issues in Cyprus.

  • 1990
    • The Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society contributes to the formulation of the National Cancer Strategy in our country.
    • The Society takes the initiative to establish and operate a Cancer Registry with an officer of the Society seconded to the Ministry of Health.
    • Nursing staff offers nursing, pharmaceutical, psychological and social support to patients at home.
  • 1992

    Launched the Homecare Service programme staffed with a team of doctors, psychologists and social workers who offer their services throughout Cyprus.

  • 1994

    Barbara Wilks becomes a major donor, with a portion of her donation used for renovation and expansion of the Centre, and for scholarships given to physicians and nursing staff for specialised training on oncology.

  • 1998

    The Day Care Service programme comes into operation.

  • 1998

    The Bank of Cyprus undertakes the support of the Christodoula March, while taking over the organisational and promotional expenses.

  • 1999

    A physician specialising in Palliative Medicine is appointed with a full scholarship from the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society.

  • 2002

    Provision of Physiotherapy services throughout Cyprus in collaboration with physiotherapists.

  • 2013

    Lidl Cyprus officially undertakes the support of the Centre’s Food Programme.

  • 2016

    40th anniversary of “Arodafnousa”, the first and only Palliative Care Centre in Cyprus.

  • 2017

    OPAP Cyprus was the first to support the “Room Adoption Programme” at the “Arodafnousa" Palliative Care Centre, with the adoption of two rooms, paving the way for other organisations to support the work of the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society.

  • 2020

    Inauguration of the new “Arodafnousa” Palliative Care Centre by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nicos Anastasiades.

  • 2022

    Operation of the second ward of “Arodafnousa” Palliative Care Centre in Nicosia.

  • 2023

    Unveiling a monument in honor of Christodula in the municipality of Sotira during the 48th Christodoula March.