Why international patients consider Cyprus for oncology

EU standards and regulation. Cyprus is a full member of the European Union. Hospitals and clinics operate under EU medical device, pharmaceutical and data-protection rules, and many oncologists working on the island trained and practised in Germany, the UK, Greece or the USA.

Strong survival outcomes. Cyprus consistently reports some of the best cancer survival figures in Europe. According to figures cited by Cyprus Mail, five-year survival stands at around 99.2% for prostate cancer and 92.8% for breast cancer, and colorectal cancer survival of about 72% is well above the European average of around 60%. The OECD's 2025 Country Cancer Profile also notes that cancer mortality in Cyprus remains among the lowest in the EU.
(Note: these figures describe the resident population and are based on patients diagnosed in earlier years. They reflect the overall quality of the system, not a guarantee for any individual case.)

Short waiting times. Private oncology centres can usually arrange a consultation within days and start treatment soon after the plan is agreed — a major factor for patients facing long queues at home.

Compact, well-connected system. Diagnostics, tumour boards, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often available within one centre or a small network in Nicosia and Limassol — all within an hour's drive of each other and of Larnaca and Paphos airports.

A calm place to go through treatment. Mild climate, English spoken everywhere, and easy logistics make long treatment courses (such as several weeks of radiotherapy) far less stressful for patients and accompanying family.

What may require travel elsewhere: highly specialised options such as proton therapy, some cellular therapies (e.g. CAR-T) or certain complex transplant procedures may not be offered on the island. A good coordinator will tell you upfront if your treatment plan includes something that is better done in another country.

There is no universal "price list" for oncology: cost depends on cancer type, stage, the chosen protocol, the drugs used and the number of treatment sessions. Instead of comparing headline prices, ask for a written, itemised treatment plan that covers:

• Initial consultation and review of your existing records
• Additional diagnostics (PET/CT, MRI, biopsy, pathology review)
• Treatment itself: number of radiotherapy fractions, chemotherapy cycles, drug costs, surgery and hospital stay
• Follow-up visits and scans
• What is not included (e.g. medication taken at home, complications, extra nights in hospital)

As a rule, private oncology in Cyprus is usually priced below comparable private care in Germany, Switzerland or the UK, with no waiting list. Online consultations with an oncologist are also available, which lets you get an initial opinion before committing to travel.
EU patients: under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, some patients can claim partial reimbursement from their home health insurer for treatment received in another EU country — often subject to prior authorisation. Check with your insurer before starting treatment.

You send us a request — treatment type, approximate timing, budget and leisure preferences.How we help: step by step

1. Tell us about your situation.
Share your diagnosis and existing medical records: pathology reports, recent scans (ideally the original DICOM files), blood tests and any treatment you've already had. We'll help you gather and organise everything, so nothing important is missed.

2. We connect you with the right clinic.
Based on your case, we identify suitable oncology centres in Cyprus, forward your records and arrange a specialist review or second opinion. No need to contact several clinics yourself.

3. Online consultation with an oncologist.
We schedule a video consultation where you can discuss the proposed plan, alternatives, side effects and treatment duration directly with the specialist.

4. Clear treatment plan and quote.
The clinic provides a written treatment plan with timeline and cost estimate. We help you understand it and get answers to any questions before you decide.

5. We organise your stay in Cyprus.
Flights advice, airport transfers, and accommodation that suits your treatment: a comfortable apartment near the clinic for longer radiotherapy courses, or a hotel for shorter visits. If you need a visa invitation letter, we'll coordinate it with the clinic.

6. Interpreter and personal support.
If you prefer to speak with doctors in your own language, we'll arrange a medical interpreter. You'll have one personal contact person throughout your stay for any practical question, from appointment times to pharmacies.

7. Rest and time for yourself.
Between treatment sessions, we can suggest gentle ways to rest and recharge — quiet seaside walks, relaxing places to stay, restaurants, short trips — for you and the family member travelling with you, always adapted to how you feel.

8. Going home with everything in order.

1. You leave with a full medical report in English and a follow-up plan your oncologist at home can continue. We stay in touch and help arrange follow-up consultations with the Cyprus clinic if needed.
2. We select a partner clinic and arrange a preliminary consultation (usually online).
3. We build the itinerary: procedure dates, rest periods, hotel options near the clinic, and a leisure program.
4. We book the hotel, transfers, and activities, and send you a complete trip plan in a single document.
5. We provide support on the ground — from airport pickup to your day of departure.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a second opinion from an oncologist in Cyprus without travelling? Yes. Many centres offer remote review of records and online consultations, so you can receive an expert opinion before deciding whether to travel.

How quickly can treatment start?
In private oncology centres, a consultation can usually be arranged within days. The start date of treatment depends on whether additional tests are needed and on the plan agreed with your oncologist.

Is radiotherapy in Cyprus up to modern standards?
Yes. Image-guided, intensity-modulated and stereotactic radiotherapy, as well as HDR brachytherapy, are available on the island.

Is PET/CT available in Cyprus?
Yes. PET/CT is available in Cyprus, including at the German Medical Institute and — since May 2026 — at the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre.

Can I be accompanied by a family member?
Absolutely, and it is recommended, especially for longer treatment courses.

Is the article about Northern Cyprus?
No. This guide covers only the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member state.

We're here to help

Facing a cancer diagnosis is hard enough — finding the right clinic abroad shouldn't add to the burden. If you are considering treatment in Cyprus, we'd be happy to help you find the right oncology centre for your situation: we'll help you prepare your medical records, arrange a specialist review or second opinion, and take care of the practical side so you can focus on your health.