KHYD says it provides around TL 9 million in annual patient aid

The Cancer Patients Assistance Association (KHYD) provides about TL 9 million a year in support to people undergoing cancer treatment and those who have recovered, its president Ayşe Kanlıada said in comments reported by Halkın Sesi.

Kanlıada said the association’s average monthly spending is around TL 3 million, covering patient support as well as rent, vehicle costs and staff-related payments.

According to Kanlıada, KHYD helps provide medicines and medical equipment, wigs, silicone breast prostheses, specialist bras, lymphoedema garments, patient beds and walking aids. She said some lymphoedema garments are not available in North Cyprus and must be obtained from South Cyprus, at an average cost to the association of €200 a month.

The association has acquired 300 silicone breast-prosthesis sets over the past two years and is preparing further orders for sizes that are not currently in stock, Kanlıada said.

She also said KHYD can assist patients travelling for care with air tickets, private doctor fees, hospital costs and medicines for foreign patients. For those visiting the oncology centre in South Cyprus, the association provides transport, drivers and interpreters, while people seeking psychological support are referred to specialists.

Donations and screening

Kanlıada said the association is funded through public donations, events, second-hand shops and recycling income.

She said an effective early-detection policy would require screening 65% to 70% of the healthy population, alongside systematic and scientific work. This was presented as Kanlıada’s view on the level of screening needed.

KHYD has been active since 1993, according to Yenidüzen.