k3-editor, Author at K3

Sleep and Cancer: Understanding Insomnia and Nighttime Disorders

Sleep disturbances are common in people living with cancer, affecting physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Insomnia—difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or obtaining restorative sleep—is one of the most frequent issues. It can occur at any stage of cancer and may be triggered or worsened by the cancer itself, treatments such as chemotherapy, medications, anxiety related to diagnosis, or lifestyle factors like caffeine, alcohol, or limited daytime activity.

Often, insomnia begins after a sudden change in life or medication. Over time, certain behaviors may make it chronic, such as sleeping with lights or TV on, napping during the day, or consuming caffeine or alcohol in the evening. Patients with coexisting conditions, such as anxiety or depression, may be particularly vulnerable.

Clinical approaches to insomnia
Evidence supports a multi-faceted strategy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to reduce sleep complaints in cancer patients and may decrease reliance on hypnotic medications. CBT-I addresses maladaptive sleep behaviors and beliefs and can be delivered in-person or through digital programs, such as the FDA-cleared application Somryst.

Pharmacological treatment may be indicated for severe or persistent insomnia, typically as short-term therapy. Commonly prescribed medications include benzodiazepine receptor agonists (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone), low-dose doxepin, and orexin receptor antagonists. However, evidence in cancer patients remains limited, and medication should be closely monitored to avoid long-term dependence.

Parasomnias: nocturnal behavioral events
Some patients experience unusual behaviors during sleep, including sleepwalking, night terrors, or acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder). These events may be influenced by treatment, medications, metabolic changes, or other medical conditions, and can sometimes be confused with seizures or delirium. Accurate documentation of the timing, frequency, behaviors, and memory of events is crucial for diagnosis. In cases where safety is at risk, or the events are atypical, video polysomnography may be recommended.

It is a fact that sleep affects multiple physiological processes, and disruptions can influence both quality of life and potentially cancer outcomes. A comprehensive, individualized approach—considering behavioral strategies, careful use of medication, and evaluation for other sleep disorders—is essential. Ongoing research is expanding our understanding of sleep’s role in cancer progression and patient resilience.

At Kapa3, we recognize the importance of sleep in supporting the overall well-being of people living with cancer, and we encourage patients to seek guidance on managing sleep disturbances as part of comprehensive care.

Read the full article here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Scientific Seminar: Psychosocial Support after Cancer Treatment and Post-Traumatic Growth

The Psychology Laboratory of INEB/CEST (Institute of Applied Biosciences / CERTH), with the support of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, is organizing on Saturday, 1 November 2025 (10:00–15:00), at the “Manolis Anagnostakis” Hall of the Thessaloniki City Hall, the scientific seminar “Psychosocial Support after Cancer Treatment and Post-Traumatic Growth.”

The event, initiated by the Psychology Laboratory as part of the IC-GROWTH research project, focuses on the psychological and social dimensions of life after cancer treatment, highlighting good practices for care, empowerment, and post-traumatic growth.

The program includes expert presentations and an open discussion with the audience, featuring researchers, healthcare professionals, and representatives from patient associations.

Participation is free, but pre-registration is required through the following form:
Registration Form

This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for learning and sharing experiences on psychosocial support and care after cancer treatment.

Kapa3 supports initiatives that strengthen mental health and quality of life for individuals who have experienced cancer.

Date: Saturday, 1 November 2025
Time: 10:00–15:00
Location: “Manolis Anagnostakis” Hall, Thessaloniki City Hall

Depression and Cancer Mortality: A Critical Link Across Major Cancer Types

Depression is a common but often underrecognized condition among cancer patients, affecting up to 20–30% of individuals diagnosed with the disease. Beyond its impact on quality of life, mounting evidence suggests that depression can significantly influence cancer outcomes, including survival. A recent meta-analysis of 65 cohort studies spanning colorectal, breast, lung, prostate, and mixed cancers provides compelling evidence that depression diagnosed after a cancer diagnosis is associated with a substantially increased risk of mortality.

The analysis revealed that patients with depression faced an 83% higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer, a 59% higher risk in lung cancer, a 74% higher risk in prostate cancer, and a 23% higher risk in breast cancer compared to non-depressed patients. Across mixed cancer types, depression increased the risk of cancer mortality by 38%. These findings underscore that the psychological burden of cancer is not merely an emotional challenge but a critical factor affecting survival outcomes.

Mechanisms Linking Depression and Cancer Outcomes

Depression may influence cancer progression through multiple biological and behavioral pathways. Biologically, depression is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune suppression, autonomic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired DNA repair. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), can contribute to tumor growth and metastasis. In older patients, depression may exacerbate age-related immune dysfunction, creating an environment more permissive to cancer progression.

Behaviorally, depression affects health-related actions and treatment adherence. Depressed patients are more likely to delay seeking medical care, adhere poorly to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapies, and engage in unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Social isolation and reduced support systems further increase vulnerability, compounding the negative impact on survival.

Clinical Implications and Interventions

The strong association between depression and cancer mortality highlights the urgent need to integrate mental health care into routine oncology practice. Psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive-expressive therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, have shown promise in reducing distress and improving adherence to cancer treatment. Pharmacological management, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also support mental health and potentially influence cancer outcomes, though more research is needed to understand their role fully. Early identification and treatment of depressive symptoms should be considered a priority for oncologists, mental health professionals, and healthcare policymakers alike.

Limitations and Future Directions

While this meta-analysis provides robust evidence, several limitations should be noted. The observational nature of the studies prevents establishing causality, and differences in study design, depression assessment methods, and patient populations contribute to heterogeneity. Future research should explore longitudinal and randomized studies to clarify causal pathways and identify the most effective interventions to reduce depression-related mortality. Investigating the interactions between depression, inflammation, and cancer biology may also reveal targets for novel supportive therapies.

Depression is not just a psychological burden for cancer patients—it is a significant predictor of mortality across multiple cancer types. These findings call for systematic depression screening and tailored interventions as integral components of oncology care.

Organizations like Kapa3 play a vital role in supporting the mental health of cancer patients, offering resources and guidance that can improve both quality of life and treatment outcomes. Integrating psychological support into cancer care ensures that mental well-being is recognized as an essential part of the healing process.
In line with this mission, Kapa3 participates in MELODIC, a new European initiative dedicated to supporting the mental health of young adults (18–30 years old) living with or beyond cancer.

Read the original article here

The Power of Social Support in Cancer Care

Why connection is as vital as treatment

Mental health professionals consistently emphasise the value of a strong social support network. Social support is among the strongest predictors of emotional well-being and overall quality of life. It refers to the extent to which our social and emotional needs are met through the people and communities around us, such as family, friends, colleagues, and groups that share our values and experiences.

Group interventions, for example, have been shown to reduce psychological stress by providing individuals with chronic illnesses the opportunity to connect and share experiences (Jackson et al., 2019). Studies have found that cancer patients who felt more supported by family, friends, or their community experienced less distress, coped more effectively, and had a greater sense of control during treatment. Tangible support, in particular, was more significant for older patients, who may face greater physical challenges due to age or disability (Ahmad et al., 2013).

Furthermore, social support fosters optimism and resilience, which are key factors that help patients adapt to illness. By strengthening hope and inner confidence, social connections help protect against anxiety and depression, acting as a buffer against the emotional impact of stress (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022).

But what comes first — support or coping? The systematic review by Bottaro and colleagues (2023) suggests the relationship is bidirectional: people who receive strong support cope better, and those who cope better are more likely to seek and maintain strong relationships. It’s a cycle of connection that reinforces recovery.

The source of support also plays a crucial role. Patients often view family, friends, and partners as the most important sources of support for coping with diagnosis and treatment. However, when the type of support offered doesn’t align with the patient’s needs, it can feel less meaningful or even unhelpful.

While loved ones form the core of emotional care, healthcare professionals are often the first and most consistent source of reassurance. According to the literature, patients who feel heard, respected, and well-informed by their medical team cope more effectively and experience less anxiety. Ruiz-Rodríguez and colleagues highlight that optimism and resilience grow when medical staff communicate openly and offer encouragement. Compassionate communication from healthcare providers strengthens patients’ ability to manage their illness, creating a positive feedback loop between support and wellbeing (Bottaro et al., 2023).

At Kapa3, we witness this truth daily. Through our community programs, research, and advocacy, we work to create environments where no one faces cancer alone. Social support is not only emotional, it’s practical, cultural, and profoundly human. Healing doesn’t happen only in hospitals; it happens in homes, workplaces, and communities.

References

Ahmad, M., Khan, M. A., & Shirazi, M. (2013). Perception of Social Support by Cancer Patients. International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 3(5), 115–122. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijpbs.20130305.01

Bottaro, R., Craparo, G., & Faraci, P. (2023). What is the direction of the association between social support and coping in cancer patients? A systematic review. Journal of Health Psychology, 28(6), 135910532211311. https://doi.org/10.1177/13591053221131180

Jackson, M., Jones, D., Dyson, J., & Macleod, U. (2019). Facilitated group work for people with long-term conditions: A systematic review of benefits from studies of group-work interventions. British Journal of General Practice, 69(682), 363–372. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp19x702233

Ruiz-Rodríguez, I., Hombrados-Mendieta, I., Melguizo-Garín, A., & Martos-Méndez, M. J. (2022). The importance of social support, optimism and resilience on the quality of life of cancer patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833176

Article by: Despina Chrysostomidou, Psychologist for Kapa3 Research Insights

Disability Card – How it works in Greece and the EU

The Disability Card serves as an official proof of both identity and disability status for persons with disabilities in Greece. It ensures easier access to services, cultural spaces, and everyday activities — with growing recognition across the European Union.

Legal Framework

Based on Law 4961/2022 (Government Gazette A’ 146, Article 106) and Ministerial Decision 16996/2023 (Government Gazette B’ 932/23-02-2023):

Article 20 → The Disability Card is legally accepted by all public and private bodies as proof of identity and disability.
Article 21 → Grants free or reduced entry to museums, archaeological sites, and cultural events for the cardholder and their companion.
Article 22 → Provides mutual recognition of the card within EU countries.

Source: Ministerial Decision 16996/16.02.2023

What you can do with the Disability Card

Use it as proof of disability without presenting medical or KEPA (Disability Certification Center) documents.
Receive priority service in public offices, banks, hospitals, and utilities.
Enjoy free or reduced admission to cultural venues.
Prove eligibility for accessible seats or parking spots.
Benefit from potential recognition in other EU countries (under reciprocity agreements).

Digital format and storage options

The Disability Card is fully digital, but you can:

Save it as a PDF file.
Print a copy.
Add it to your gr Wallet (like your ID card or driver’s license).
In the future, request a plastic version for physical use.

How to issue your card

You can easily issue your Disability Card through karta.epan.gov.gr using your Taxisnet credentials.
If the card is for your child, you’ll need to issue separate credentials for them first.
If a companion is required, the card provides this option as well.

World Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation – October 28

October 28 is not only a day of national remembrance in Greece; it’s also the World Day for Organ Donation and Transplantation — a day dedicated to the second chance life can offer. A reminder that generosity does not end with us but continues through those who choose to give hope.

Organ donation is one of the most powerful expressions of solidarity and humanity. Each donation can save or transform up to seven lives — people who are waiting for a heart, liver, kidney, lungs, or other vital organs to survive. Yet, the numbers show that this gift of life is still far too rare. According to the Hellenic Transplant Organization (EOM), only about 8 organ donors per million population were recorded in Greece in 2023, compared to an EU average of 18 (EOM, 2023).

The gap between the need and availability of organs remains a pressing issue. Thousands of patients across Europe spend years on waiting lists, while many never get the chance for a transplant. Raising awareness, dispelling myths, and encouraging conversation within families are crucial steps toward change.

Becoming an organ donor means choosing to leave a legacy of life. It’s a selfless act that connects us beyond time, offering a heartbeat, a breath, or a new beginning to someone else.

Because when one life ends, another can begin — and that may be the most profound act of love there is.

Sources:

Hellenic Transplant Organization (EOM) here

European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM) – Organ donation and transplantation statistics here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 at the Patients Summit 2025: A strong voice for cancer patients and their families

The Patients Summit 2025—the annual nationwide meeting organized by the Hellenic Patients Association—was successfully completed with great success. The event has become the leading forum for dialogue and collaboration among patient organizations across Greece. This year’s conference brought together representatives of patient associations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to strengthen the voice of patients and shape a more humane, participatory, and effective healthcare system.

Participants exchanged experiences, presented best practices, and discussed key issues such as sustainability of patient associations, access to innovative treatments, the use of digital health tools, and patient empowerment in decision-making.

Through thematic panels and interactive workshops, the event highlighted the need for cooperation, transparency, and the use of data to drive targeted solutions with real social impact.

Kapa3 actively participated in the Summit, representing cancer patients and their families. A highlight of its presence was its contribution to the Strategic Workshop: “How do we measure our value?”, where Kapa3 presented its approach and operational philosophy on data collection and utilization as a tool for developing innovative initiatives.

For Kapa3, data collection is a key process in understanding the real needs of its beneficiaries. As emphasized during the session, data analysis—conducted in collaboration with the organization’s biostatistician, Mr. Konstantinos Tzanas—helps Kapa3 design targeted and evidence-based strategies. Continuous evaluation by patients themselves enables the adaptation of services and the development of innovative solutions that have a tangible, positive impact on their lives.

Kapa3’s presence at the Patients Summit 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration, scientific evidence, and collective action. The organization remains committed to amplifying the voice of cancer patients through knowledge, innovation, and transparency—values that can truly transform the patient experience and contribute to a fairer, more humane healthcare system for all.

October 25 – World Breast Cancer Awareness Day

October 25 has been established as World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with this disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, affecting approximately 2.3 million women each year, with 670,000 deaths, while in Greece around 6,000 new cases are diagnosed annually (Source: Globocan 2025). These are not just numbers—they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve hope and dignity.

Survival chances depend on access to early detection and effective treatment: in high-income countries, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, while in countries such as India it is 66% and in South Africa only 40%. These inequalities highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action, as incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 if current trends continue.

Breat scancer does not affect only women—around 1% of diagnoses occur in men, a fact often overlooked. Awareness and education must be inclusive so that no one is left unprotected.

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, established in 2021, works with countries to reduce breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems and facilitating access to diagnosis and treatment.

At the same time, psychosocial support for patients and their families is crucial, as a diagnosis affects all aspects of life, from work to daily routines and mental well-being.

International Breast Cancer Awareness Day also calls on communities, health organizations, and authorities to collaborate to improve access to screening and treatment services. Raising awareness about risk factors—such as genetics, age, and lifestyle—and promoting healthy habits helps prevent the disease and reduce health inequalities.

Every individual can contribute: schedule a mammogram, remind friends to do the same, support nonprofit organizations, or participate in awareness activities. Even small gestures, like wearing a pink ribbon or sharing reliable information on social media, make a difference.

At Kapa3, we believe that every woman and person living with cancer deserves support, knowledge, and access to high-quality treatments. Through initiatives in awareness, social support, and empowerment, our goal is to build a society where no life is endangered by lack of information, resources, or care, and wher

e hope and solidarity become powerful allies in the fight against the disease.

Read more on breast cancer:

https://www.kapa3.gr/en/raising-the-standards-europe-s-qa-scheme-for-breast-cancer-services/

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sources: https://gco.iarc.fr/en

https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

KAPA3 at the ESMO Congress: Inspiration and Confirmation That We Are Moving Towards the Future

From October 17 to 20, we attended the ESMO World Congress in Berlin. The event stood out for the active participation of the Greek medical community, which led presentations on clinical data, Real-World Evidence, and up-to-date education in collaboration with the global oncology community. At the same time, Greek teams received awards in various areas (medical, nursing, institutional), inspiring us all with hope for the ongoing developments in oncology care.

Our main goal as KAPA3 was to focus on research addressing the real needs of the population within the framework of the global community. Collaborating with healthcare professionals from around the world allowed us to gather valuable knowledge and experiences. The intensive sessions and discussions broadened our understanding and prompted reflection on the next steps.

Key challenges identified for the patient advocacy community were:

Mandatory multidisciplinary assessment before starting treatment
No patient should begin treatment without undergoing a multidisciplinary assessment, including an oncology nurse, social scientist, and psychologist. This should be considered the minimum standard for all cancer patients.
Certification and quality of multidisciplinary teams
It is our duty to ensure that these teams meet quality standards. Their certification is undoubtedly complex. However, for us at KAPA3, multidisciplinary care is a fundamental criterion for service provision and must be certified. Quality care can significantly improve patient outcomes, as shown by clinical studies and research presented at this year’s congress, with potential improvements in overall survival of up to 10% (Sweden).

We are deeply proud that our work is guided by these standards precisely. In an era of remarkable progress in medicine and new therapies, we continue to strengthen the institution of research and multidisciplinary care, ensuring accessibility and patient-centered approaches aimed at quality of life.

This is the third time we have presented our efforts at an ESMO congress, in collaboration with the International University and the Nursing Department, highlighting our presence at every level. Meanwhile, trainings for other healthcare professionals take place annually within our organization in collaboration with Greek universities.

For Greek patients and their environment, we have not yet reached a point where the quality of care is considered a key objective for the entire oncology community. Our aim is to align with efforts across Europe so that, in the future, multidisciplinary assessments from the first day of diagnosis become standard practice within therapeutic protocols.

At KAPA3, we understand that quality care, inherently multidisciplinary, requires collective effort and collaboration between organizations and professionals to determine the best possible standards.

EGFR: An “Old Target” Gaining New Life in Cancer Research

When science moves forward step by step

Progress in oncology does not always come with dramatic announcements. Often, it is found in studies that show small but meaningful steps. One such case is a recent review in JAMA Oncology exploring new targeted therapies for head and neck cancer — a type of cancer often linked to smoking, alcohol consumption, or HPV infection. At Kapa3, we closely follow these developments to keep patients and their families responsibly informed,

Researchers focused on a protein called EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor). Approximately 90% of patients with this type of cancer show overexpression of the protein, making it an attractive target for therapy. In the past, drugs such as cetuximab attempted to “block” EGFR activity, but results were limited. Patients experienced modest improvements without a significant increase in survival.

The new generation of research goes a step further. Combination therapies are being explored, such as targeting EGFR alongside immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab), which strengthens the body’s defense against cancer cells. In early studies, this combination showed response rates around 45% and a median survival of approximately 18 months in patients for whom previous treatments had failed — results that, while not dramatic, are considered encouraging for this disease.

Scientists now understand that the success of targeted therapy depends on multiple factors. In many patients, cancer cells eventually develop resistance, “learning” to bypass the drug’s effect. In addition, cancers linked to HPV appear to behave differently from those that are not, opening new avenues for more personalized approaches.

Research is also focusing on identifying biomarkers — molecular indicators that can show which patients are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy. If these tools prove reliable, they could lead to more targeted, effective, and safer treatments in the future.

At the same time, newer forms of drugs are being tested, such as bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates, which aim to target cancer cells with greater precision. All of these efforts are still in early clinical trial stages, aiming to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

The key message of this research is not that a “new drug that beats cancer” has been found, but that science continues to search, test, and learn. Every small step, every percentage of improvement, every new idea paves the way for future progress.

For people living with cancer — and their families — hope lies not only in major breakthroughs and new treatments but also in the certainty that thousands of researchers around the world are tirelessly working to make each next step a little closer to life. Because in science, as in life, progress is often measured not in leaps but in steady, human steps. At Kapa3, we are committed to sharing this news in a clear and useful way for everyone.

Read the review here

Sources:

Hwang W. et al. “Emerging EGFR-Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review.” JAMA Oncology (2025).
World Health Organization – Cancer Research Updates

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3