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SDIRSACR Oncology Insights

shared her journey from personal fight for her child’s recovery to transferring knowledge from international
organizations to local doctors, through her work with patients and families staying in the parental house.
ͳ Joland Korora – A woman recognizable as the face of NURDOR (National Association of Parents of Children
with Cancer “NURDOR”). Her son Luka was treated for embryonal-type nephroblastoma at the age of three, and
twenty years later, leads an “army” of volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients through
various projects, five parental houses, and fundraising efforts for dignified treatment. NURDOR participated in
the Law on Health Insurance amendments, and changes in the right to free rehabilitation of children who have
undergone chemotherapy. Before NURDOR’s initiative, parents of severely ill children had the right to only four
months of paid leave with 65% salary compensation. After five years of fighting, the 2017 Draft of the Law
and the official amendments in 2019, two major changes were introduced: unlimited sick leave for parents
until the child turns 18 if the child has a serious condition (like cancer or brain injury and alike) and 100%
salary compensation instead of the previous 65%. These changes were formally adopted in the Law on Health
Insurance (Official Gazette of RS, No. 25/2019), which came into effect on April 11, 2019, and were publicly
recognized as a direct result of NURDOR’s pressure and advocacy efforts. NURDOR became the driving force
behind the changes in law that allow parents to remain by their seriously ill child’s side until adulthood, with full
salary compensation, from parents’ motives to help families facing financial and procedural challenges, based
on their own experience.
ͳ Vukašin Čobeljić, Psychologist at the University Children’s Hospital Belgrade “Tiršova”. One of our guests who
shared professional insights into working with families facing cancer diagnoses, was Vukašin Čobeljić – with the
intent to introduce the viewers to the psychologist’s role in delivering terminal diagnoses and the psychological
tools used to help families cope with loss of the family member. Vukašin also spoke about his volunteer work
with NURDOR and described the professional journey of colleagues who choose to work at the Hemato-Oncology
Clinic at UCH Belgrade“Tiršova”.
ͳ Prof Ana Banko, PhD – ROLLERS Project - A specialist in microbiology and parasitology, a subspecialist in virology,
and associate professor at the Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Belgrade. In addition to her work on the ROLLERS project - which examined the link between the Epstein-Barr
virus and rheumatoid arthritis, supported by the Science Fund, she joined our podcast “Rare and Share” to discuss
the role of the HPV vaccine and the importance of prevention in cervical cancer. Our conversation addressed the
power of individuals to ask questions, developing critical thinking, and engaging in open communication with
doctors about personal health. The power of knowledge lies in understanding that detecting cancer at an early
stage allowes more treatment options, a higher chance of cure, and treatments that medical oncologists can
approach almost as chornic diseases.

4.1. Where to From Here?

When faced with devastating news such as a cancer diagnosis, we all respond in similar ways, we feel fear, sadness,
helplessness, and sometimes even anger. However, the way we confront with a new situation can be a crucial factor in
the recovery process.
Patient organizations made up of women who have survived different types of cancer possess valuable experiences
and are ready to share, are trained to offer information, assistance, and support to those who have just learned about
the diagnosis or are currently undergoing treatment.
One such organization was founded by Vesna Bondžić from Vrnjačka Banja, who named it after her grandmother:
“Women’s Center Milica”, after her own personal experience. This center provides invaluable support for every woman
who finds herself in what may seem like a hopeless situation following a diagnosis of gynecological carcinoma.
In October 2023, the first National Center for Support and Education for Women Diagnosed with Breast and Cervical
Cancer was opened in Belgrade, empowering its members with access to information and support.
In addition, “Women’s Center Milica” created a guide to breast cancer treatment called “My Assistant”, as a kind of
reminder of all the steps that women go throughout the healing journey. As part of the National Center for Support
and Education for Women Diagnosed with Breast and Cervical Cancer, a telephone support line is available during
treatment: 0800 40 40 40, Monday through Friday, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Calls are answered by trained coordinators
from Women’s Center Milica, women who have completed their own treatment and received accredited training by
members of the Association of Medical Oncologists of Serbia. In this way, the helpline can provide all the information
to callers that is important for the preparation of therapy, explanation of procedures, but also for emotional and
experiential support to women who call this phone number.
“Women’s Center Milica” is also actively involved in public advocacy campaigns and communication with decision-
makers, working to improve the quality of life for women by pushing for the inclusion of innovative therapies in
treatment protocols for breast and gynecological cancers. At the end of 2023, following the initiative of “Women’s

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