Stella Kyriakides is a health policy leader and prominent advocate for patient rights and public health in Europe. She was the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety (2019–2024). After her breast cancer diagnosis in 1996, Kyriakides became a leading voice in cancer advocacy, founding the first breast cancer association in Cyprus and later serving for 15 years as President of Europa Donna, the European Breast Cancer Coalition.
As Health Commissioner, she secured EU-wide commitments to modernize cancer screening programs, expand research through Horizon Europe and the EU Cancer Mission, and strengthen Europe’s cancer registries and tobacco-control legislation. She is the recipient of the Yvonne Lifetime Achievement Award 2025.
With the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the EU’s flagship strategy for cancer prevention, early detection, equitable treatment, and survivorship, she is an authoritative voice developing quality care strategies for Europe’s patients with cancer. In 2025, she was appointed Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the European School of Oncology and Senior Lecturer in Cancer Policy.
The 100 Most Influential People in Oncology in 2025 recognizes the changemakers in cancer care who have helped shape current practice in oncology and continue to drive innovation and research towards better outcomes, advocacy, philanthropy, leadership, and education. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor, and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential People in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for the results of special category nominations to be announced.
