Maria Iliofotou was shocked to be told she was terminated just days after returning from her sick leave for treatement. Iliofotou's treatment for breast cancer included a mastectomy, three chemotherapy cycles and radiotherapy. Iliototou returned to work after a full recovery. She was welcomed back on February 1st by both her colleagues and employer, under the assumption she was getting her job back. 

Yet, February 4th, World Cancer Day 2016 ironically,she received a letter from her employer advising her that she was being laid off due to her extensive absence. She was informed that since she was gone, they had to hire other staff to do her job, and they would provide her with a payment of what she would have received as surplus staff for 8 weeks plus 5.5 weeks compensation.

PASYKAF (Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends) has spoken on this case, noting that this was "unacceptable behavior" and noted that this is not an uncommon occurrence but many are reluctant to come forward. They suggest that laws need to be amended to further protect employees' rights in such cases.

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