Welcome Message

Each year approximately 3.2 million cancers are diagnosed in Europe, notably breast, colon, rectum and lung cancer. The numbers rank cancer as the second most frequent cause of death in the European Union. Our country, unfortunately, is no exception to the picture given by the numbers; where according to the latest statistics recorded an average of about 1600 new cases are recorded per year. Everyone recognizes that cancer is not a disease limited to a personal level but a disease that also affects the family, significant others and the society as a whole.

Therefore, it is imperative to operate a research center for Oncology and Palliative Care, which will not be limited to the boundaries of the Republic, but is extended to include the European region. The operation of the center marked the beginning of an ambitious effort with the practical determination of the Department of Nursing of the CUT to participate actively and equally in international affairs acting as a pathfinder. The conditions that have been developed require the pursuit of knowledge about the problems faced by patients, their families and their carers (professional or otherwise) and society in general.

The research center as an integral part of the Faculty of Health Sciences - CUT offers the expertise and research facilities to investigate the parameters established in the context of the Cypriot society, with its social responsibility as a guide. The concerns, problems, and the need to adapt to new realities are only some aspects of the problem that are planned to be investigated. The promotion of home care means that the patient (as a form of patient empowerment) and the family should take a more active role in the care. This involves assuming specific aspects of the care that may lead to increased obligations, which in turn cause an increased burden experienced by these individuals, reallocation of their time often with adverse outcomes in their own family, work and social activities. In these efforts of better supporting the disease journey, technology is acquiring a more pivotal role, and it is necessary for the healthcare professional and the patient (end-user) to be appropriately and timely prepared to update these technological solutions and sustain them over time.

The Research Center of Oncology and Palliative Care, was established with reference to explore all these aspects created by cancer and other chronic diseases in order to generate the knowledge for successful treatment, with a view to promoting the health, quality of life for patients and reducing the burden experienced by family caregivers and thus reducing the impact of the disease in social terms.