Europa Donna Cyprus, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to shining a light on breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Through their tailored programs, they offer crucial support services to patients. The organization’s mission is twofold: to increase awareness about breast and gynaecological cancers and to rally women’s support in advocating for improved education, screening, optimal treatment, and research funding.
Can you introduce your charity and provide an overview of its mission and purpose?
EUROPA DONNA Cyprus was founded in 2002 and is a member of the European Breast Cancer Coalition (EUROPA DONNA) which has 47 member countries. It is a non-profit organization that focuses on increasing public awareness of breast cancer prevention and treatment. Recently, the Organization has extended its services for women with gynaecological cancers. Through its specialized programs, the Organization offers support services to patients.
Europa Donna Cyprus aims to raise awareness of breast and gynaecological cancers, as well as mobilize support from women to advocate for better education, screening, optimal treatment, and funding for research. Throughout the year a variety of events, scientific conferences and lectures are held and focus on the prevention and treatment of breast and gynaecological cancers. Our goal is to support and stand by individuals who have been diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancers.
What inspired the establishment of your charity, and what motivated its founders to address this particular cause?
The founders were motivated and inspired to join the European Breast Cancer Coalition due to a lack of public awareness about breast cancer. Their goal was to raise awareness about disease prevention and early diagnosis.
Are there any specific populations or communities that your charity focuses on serving? What led to the decision to prioritize these groups?
Breast cancer, a silent “epidemic,” is a pressing issue affecting primarily women, but also impacting a smaller number of men. Within the European Union, there are approximately 464,000 new cases of breast cancer annually, resulting in the tragic loss of 138,000 women’s lives. The disease is a concern for everyone: women, men and the society as a whole.
Can you provide examples of individuals or communities who directly benefited from the funds raised from the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon? How did their lives or circumstances improve as a result of your organization’s interventions?
The proceeds generated by the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon are utilized to partially fund the expenses associated with the programs, which are provided at no cost to all individuals facing breast and gynecological cancers.
What specific initiatives or projects have been supported with the funds raised from the Radisson Blu Larnaka International Marathon until today?
The following programs are partially supported:
a) “Breast Friends” provides women who have undergone breast surgery with free post-surgery prostheses, external silicone prostheses, special bras, and wigs if the patient undergoes chemotherapy.
b) “Psychological Support” is run by an experienced clinical psychologist, and it aims to address the growing need for immediate psychological and emotional support for women, men, and their families affected by breast and gynaecological cancers.
c) “Physiotherapy” is run by a specialized in lymphedema physiotherapist. It offers services to individuals who have had breast cancer surgery. The aim is to prevent or reduce the occurrence of lymphedema. Compression gloves are provided to the patients when and if necessary.
d) “Health and Nutrition” is run by a clinical dietician, and it provides specialized nutritional services to breast and gynaecological cancer patients with an emphasis on patients undergoing cancer treatment.
e) “Breast Cancer Awareness” offers lectures on a variety of breast and gynaecological cancer-related topics, such as early detection, treatment options, and post-treatment care. Our aim is to educate and raise awareness among the public.
