This gesture was to help increase public awareness concerning the dangers of this cancer, which, in relation to other kinds of cancer, has the lowest life expectancy.

The Department of Antiquities lights up these monuments in purple as well as the Cyprus Museum, following the call of the Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends (PASYKAF), as the reinforcement of the link between our cultural heritage and the society is among its strategic objectives.

By lighting up the monuments, they at the same time highlight problems of the society, thus contributing in the increase of solidarity and the development of social welfare.

The Department of Antiquities through this endeavor aims at highlighting the need for prevention, early detection and therapy. It is also important to increase scientific knowledge and treatments. The message the cultural heritage wishes to transfer by being lit purple is that of love towards our fellow human men and women that suffer from pancreatic cancer, as well as of understanding and protection. These needs become more essential in the current difficult circumstances of the pandemic.