In a deeply personal and moving confession, the former European Union Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakidou, who revealed that she is facing a new battle with cancer.
In a social media post, Stella Kyriakidou revealed that a few weeks ago, she was diagnosed with gynecological cancer.
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“Like anyone who hears this diagnosis, I experienced moments of great anxiety, uncertainty, and intense emotions. At the same time, however, I felt grateful because I was in the hands of exceptional healthcare professionals, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart. After my surgery, the medical team treating me at OKTK recommended that I undergo preventive chemotherapy, with the goal of reducing the risk of cancer recurrence as much as possible. I’m starting tomorrow. And I’m facing this new challenge with strength, faith, and optimism.”
The fight against cancer is not—as she herself noted—“a new chapter” but a lifelong journey.
“In every role I’ve held, I’ve had the immense honor of working alongside patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to promote prevention, early diagnosis, equitable access to quality care, and research. Together, we have made significant strides, most notably the European Plan to Combat Cancer.
Over the years, I have learned valuable life lessons from thousands of people who have fought—and continue to fight—their own battles. Today, I find myself once again in the position of a patient. I’ve chosen to speak publicly—as I’ve always done—because gynecological cancers are still all too often shrouded in silence. But silence offers no protection against any form of cancer. If my own experience encourages even one woman or one man to seek specialized medical advice in a timely manner, to not put it off out of fear, or if it helps someone feel less alone, then it’s worth sharing. Information saves lives. Specialized care saves lives.
With this personal confession, I want above all to send a message to everyone who is fighting their own battle right now: you are not alone. I know how difficult moments of uncertainty, waiting, treatment, and fear can be. But I also know that there is a strength within us that we often don’t realize we have until we need to discover it. Hope is not a denial of reality; it is the strength that allows us to live through it.”
“Cancer is part of my life,” says Stella Kyriakidou, “but it’s not what defines me.”
Here is her post in its entirety:
