Cyprus parliament establishes National Cancer Institute

The Cyprus House of Representatives has unanimously approved legislation to establish a National Cancer Institute. The new body will serve as a central coordinator for the country's oncology sector, responsible for developing, updating, and implementing the national cancer strategy. Its primary functions include improving cancer prevention, early diagnosis, treatment oversight, and the management of scientific data across both public and private healthcare systems. The institute will not provide direct medical services but will instead focus on policy coordination and advisory roles to the Minister of Health. During parliamentary discussions, MPs including Andreas Apostolou, Yiorgos Pennintex, and Alexandra Attalides emphasized the need for qualified leadership and better coordination to reduce service fragmentation. Some members, such as Costis Efstathiou and Irene Charalambidou, cautioned that administrative structures must be supplemented by empathy for patients and warned against potential political interference in the appointment of the institute's leadership. Committee Chairman Efthymios Diplaros noted that the institute will also assist in managing the national cancer registry and promoting research initiatives.