Author: k3-editor

28 January – Data Protection Day: privacy, health and trust

European Data Protection Day, observed every year on 28 January, was established by the Council of Europe and is linked to Convention 108, the first legally binding international instrument on the protection of personal data. The day serves as a reminder that the right to privacy is a fundamental human right — especially in a time when personal information is increasingly collected, stored and processed digitally.

Personal data are not merely technical entries in databases and systems. They are fragments of people’s lives. They include health information, personal experiences, vulnerable moments and deeply private aspects of identity. When individuals share such information, they do so with the expectation that it will be handled with care, confidentiality and respect.

For organisations such as Kapa3, which work closely with patients and people in vulnerable situations, data protection goes far beyond legal compliance. It is a matter of dignity and trust. Health data — including information related to both physical and mental health — belong to the most sensitive categories of personal data. Inadequate protection or misuse can lead to stigma, discrimination and a profound sense of insecurity.

Within the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides a common framework to ensure that individuals retain control over their personal information. Rights such as informed consent, access to data and the ability to request deletion are not administrative formalities. They are essential safeguards that protect human integrity, particularly in the context of healthcare and social support.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), confidentiality and ethical governance of health data are fundamental to the provision of safe and high-quality care. Trust between patients and healthcare or support organisations is strengthened when personal information is managed transparently, responsibly and within clearly defined limits.

European Data Protection Day is not only an occasion to reflect on legal obligations or technical safeguards. It is an opportunity to consider how we approach privacy as a core element of respectful and ethical care. Protecting personal data is ultimately not about technology — it is about protecting the people behind the data and the trust that underpins every meaningful human relationship.

Sources:

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Webinar: “Cancer, Patient Navigation & Health Management: From Prevention to Coordinated Care” in collaboration with the Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, we invite you to join the webinar on cancer and patient navigation, organized in collaboration with René Descartes College and the Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center. This webinar aims to open a meaningful dialogue around cancer, not only as a medical diagnosis but as a complex life journey.

Today, cancer requires holistic health management, proper guidance within the care system, coordination among professionals and services, and a patient-centered approach that considers the individual, their family, and social environment.

The webinar aims to highlight the importance of Patient Navigation and Health Management in cancer care, to illuminate the role of technology and innovation in oncology, and to raise awareness around prevention, quality of life, and continuous patient support.

Target Audience:

  • Patients and individuals at diagnosis, undergoing treatment, or in follow-up

  • Caregivers and family members

  • Health professionals, Health Management staff and students

  • Policy and quality of care professionals

  • Anyone interested in prevention, screening, organization of oncology services, and patient-centered healthcare approaches

Participants Will Gain:

  • Understanding of cancer as a holistic life issue

  • Knowledge of modern patient navigation and care coordination models

  • Insights into the role of technology in oncology

  • Practical information for better management within the healthcare system

  • Inspiration for more humane, coordinated, and high-quality care

Speakers:

  • Maria Gazouli, PhD – Professor of Biology-Genetics-Nanomedicine, Laboratory Geneticist

  • Dr. Christos A. Frantzidis – Assistant Professor, Computer Science / Machine Learning, School of Computer Science, University of Lincoln, UK

  • Dr. Maria Lavdaniti, MSc, PhD – Professor of Clinical Nursing, Director of the University Laboratory of Adult Cancer Patient Care, International Hellenic University (IHU)

  • Evangelia Mpista, PhD, MBA, MSc, BSc – Co-Founder, Kapa3

  • Dr. Vasiliki Kapaki – Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Economics, Professor of Health Economics, René Descartes College

Participation Details:

  • Duration: 2.5 hours (18:30 – 21:00)

  • Date: 06/02/2026

  • Attendance: Online

  • Participation is free

  • Certificate of attendance will be issued by René Descartes College and Kapa3

  • Registration form and participation declaration: Here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Return to Work after Cancer: Challenges and Needs for Young Adults

Returning to work after cancer presents significant challenges for young adults (18–40 years old) who wish to continue or reintegrate into their professional life. The study Needs Assessment: Young Adults Navigating Work & Cancer, conducted by Cancer & Careers in collaboration with the Andrea Argenio Foundation, explores the experiences of this group, highlighting key problems, needs, and preferences for workplace support.

The survey included 516 participants and was conducted online from December 2024 to February 2025. Participants were young adult cancer patients or survivors, and the study focused on return to work, the difficulties they face, necessary accommodations, and the types of support they find most helpful.

Key Findings

The study clearly identifies the multiple challenges young adults face during professional reintegration:

  • Balancing treatment and work emerged as the most common challenge.

  • About 50.8% reported physical limitations, and 37.8% cognitive difficulties affecting job performance. Younger participants (18–25) reported even higher challenges (~70.3% physical, ~56.8% cognitive).

  • Concerns about job security and career progression were significant: around 1 in 3 participants worried about their position or professional identity, while for ages 35–40, concern about job security reached 50.8%.

  • Participants expressed a need for workplace support, mainly through:

    • Flexible working hours (77.5%)

    • Remote work / working from home (62.2%)

    • Additional paid leave (50%)

    • Mental health support (45.2%)

Open-ended responses also highlighted the need for better employer education, support in job search and career development, as well as broader psychosocial support.

The Greek Context and the Need for Action

Despite the importance of this issue, Greece lacks systematic data on return to work after cancer, particularly for young adults. There are few studies or official statistics documenting experiences, challenges, or needs, creating a significant knowledge and policy gap.

In this context, raising awareness, providing reliable information, and connecting survivors to trusted resources are critical. Initiatives focusing on young adults with cancer help create a more supportive environment for returning to work, addressing both practical and psychosocial aspects.

European tools and collaborations, such as the MELODIC project, in which Kapa3 participates actively, are particularly valuable. MELODIC focuses on the psychological support of young adult cancer patients, highlighting the close link between mental health, quality of life, and professional functioning after cancer.

The Cancer & Careers study demonstrates that returning to work after cancer is not a straightforward process. Physical and cognitive limitations, concerns about job security, and the need for flexibility are daily challenges for many young adults. In Greece, the lack of data does not mean the problem is absent; rather, it underscores the need for more knowledge, targeted initiatives, and meaningful support.

Through information, networking, and participation in European initiatives, returning to work can become more realistic and sustainable for young adults who have experienced cancer.

Sources: Needs Assessment: Young Adults Navigating Work & Cancer

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette, FEK 230/B/22.01.2026) on Clinical Trials: Streamlining Research in Greece

The clinical trials regulation in Greece, published in the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) 230/B/22.01.2026, establishes a unified and simplified framework for contracts and financial management of clinical trials, non-interventional studies, and other health research projects. This clinical trials regulation in Greece directly affects clinical trials with medicines, studies involving medical devices, and research conducted in hospitals and public health institutions, aiming to reduce bureaucracy, ensure transparency, and protect participating patients.

Clinical trials regulation in Greece

WHY THE NEW DECISION WAS NECESSARY

Until now, procedures for signing contracts for clinical trials and studies were often delayed, complex, and varied between institutions. This slowed down research and discouraged sponsors and research teams. The new Ministerial Decision aims to create a clear, unified framework with common standards, defined responsibilities, and specific timelines.

WHAT CHANGES FOR CLINICAL TRIALS AND STUDIES

Under the new regulation:

  • Standardized contracts for clinical trials and studies are introduced,

  • Clear deadlines for contract signing are established,

  • The use of electronic procedures is promoted,

  • The financial management framework of research projects by responsible institutions is clarified.

These changes aim to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate the daily operations of research teams and health institutions.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PATIENTS

Of particular importance is the reaffirmation that participating patients are not financially burdened by their involvement in clinical trials or studies. The costs of examinations, procedures, and services related to the study are covered by the sponsor, ensuring the protection of patients’ rights and safety, and reinforcing trust in the research process.

WHY THIS REGULATION IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FOR RESEARCH IN GREECE

The Ministerial Decision published in the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ 230/B/22.01.2026) represents a significant step toward improving the research environment in Greece. By creating unified and clear procedures for contract signing and financial management of clinical trials and studies, it reduces long-standing administrative barriers that delayed the implementation of research projects. At the same time, it strengthens institutional security for all stakeholders—researchers, health institutions, and sponsors—while fostering transparency and accountability.

In this context, Greece can become more competitive in research, facilitate participation in international research initiatives, and make more effective use of its scientific knowledge and human resources. In the healthcare field, accelerating and streamlining processes helps align research more closely with clinical practice and patients’ real needs, benefiting society as a whole.

Kapa3 closely monitors institutional developments affecting health research and clinical trials, highlighting their importance for patient protection and the improvement of care quality.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

 

Cancer is increasingly becoming a highly manageable disease

In the Sunday edition of To Vima newspaper and Vita magazine (25 January 2026), the views of Ms Evangeli Bista, co-founder of Kapa3, were featured, shedding light on the landscape of modern oncology and the challenges emerging within the current Greek healthcare reality.

Ms Bista addressed the Greek context and highlighted the importance of digital technology as a cornerstone of modern health policy, particularly in the field of cancer care, where treatment pathways are complex, long-term, and deeply person-centred. As she noted, Greece has already made measurable progress: electronic and paperless prescribing, oncology registries, the National Electronic Health Record, and applications such as MyHealthApp are creating the conditions for more coordinated and transparent care. When healthcare professionals, as well as patients themselves, are equipped with appropriate digital skills, patient autonomy is strengthened, treatment outcomes improve, and inequalities—especially those affecting vulnerable population groups—are reduced.

The article is co-authored by distinguished scientists and collaborators: Maria Gazouli, Professor of Biology, Genetics and Nanomedicine at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and national representative on the Committee for Advanced Therapies of the European Medicines Agency; Manolis Saloustros, Associate Professor of Oncology at the University of Thessaly and President of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HESMO); and Christos Frantzidis, Assistant Professor of Informatics and Machine Learning at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom.

The contributing experts underline that modern oncology increasingly approaches cancer as a largely manageable chronic disease, through targeted and personalised therapies. The use of innovative technologies—such as next-generation sequencing, mRNA vaccines, PARP inhibitors and cellular therapies—has significantly expanded therapeutic options. At the same time, prognosis is becoming more dynamic and individualised through the use of multi-omics profiling, machine learning algorithms and liquid biopsy techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on the early integration of palliative care and psychosocial support, which play a crucial role in improving patients’ quality of life. Finally, the importance of structured and coordinated healthcare services is highlighted, with the medical oncologist acting as a key coordinator of person-centred care.

Beyond documenting technological advances, the article opens a broader discussion on the digital transition in oncology care, addressing issues of access, meaningful use of data and the need for coordination across different scientific disciplines. Digital health is presented not as an end in itself, but as a tool that requires collaboration, institutional maturity and a shared vision in order to deliver real value to patients.

The overarching message is clear: every step, whether small or large, matters. Progress in oncology is not the result of isolated actions, but of collective effort. Through collaboration among scientists, healthcare professionals, organisations and patients, the conditions for meaningful and sustainable change can be created—always with the human being and their real needs at the centre.

Download our Press release here:  KAPA3_VIMA

Text / Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

January 24 – International Day of Education

January 24 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Education, recognizing education as a fundamental human right and a key pillar of social cohesion, equality, and sustainable development. Access to knowledge is not only a means of professional growth but also a decisive factor in psychological resilience, personal identity, and hope for the future.

EDUCATION AND ILLNESS: WHEN LEARNING BECOMES SUPPORT

For children living with cancer or other serious illnesses, education takes on a special significance. International initiatives, such as hospital schools, have highlighted the role of learning in maintaining continuity of life during treatment. According to the World Health Organization, education for hospitalized children is not just about curriculum but also serves as a source of joy, normalcy, and psychological empowerment. Participation in lessons, interaction with teachers, and pursuing personal interests help children retain goals and envision their future, even under the strain of serious illness.

YOUNG ADULTS WITH CANCER: STUDIES, INTERRUPTIONS, AND RETURNS

Education is also a critical issue for young adults living with cancer, an age group often engaged in higher education, vocational training, or early career stages. International research shows that a cancer diagnosis during this period can lead to study interruptions, delayed completion, shifts in educational direction, and increased psychological burden. Studies from Europe and the United States report higher levels of anxiety, social isolation, and uncertainty about the future, while also highlighting that flexible educational structures and supportive policies significantly increase the likelihood of returning to and completing studies.

Yet there are also those who, through their experience with illness, redefine their priorities: pursuing new fields of knowledge, changing direction, or discovering previously untapped skills.

DATA IN GREECE

In Greece, there are no official data tracking continuation or interruption of studies for young adults living with cancer — such as how many students drop out, how many return after treatment, or the overall impact on their educational trajectory. However, it is estimated that the incidence of cancer in young adults is approximately 7.4 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants per year, highlighting the unique psychosocial and developmental challenges this group faces. The lack of systematic data on educational outcomes underscores the need for further research and for policies that support young people in continuing or completing their studies when and how they wish.

Education at any age can serve as a tool for hope and life reorientation. Many individuals who have experienced cancer choose to return to learning, acquire new skills, change career paths, or invest in postponed dreams. Knowledge does not erase the challenges of illness, but it can provide meaning, perspective, and a sense of control during uncertain times.

At KAPA3, we recognize the importance of education as an integral part of psychosocial support. Through our participation in European projects, such as MELODIC, which focuses on the mental health of young adults with cancer, we highlight the need for holistic approaches that consider life, studies, and personal plans beyond the diagnosis.

The International Day of Education serves as a reminder that knowledge does not stop in the face of illness. With support, understanding, and appropriate structures, education can remain alive — acting as a bridge to the future and a reminder that life continues.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

The MELODIC Consortium met in Athens to promote the mental health of young adults with cancer

We were delighted to welcome the European partners of the MELODIC Consortium in Athens, during the two-day consortium meeting held on 19–20 January 2026, at the facilities of the School of Public Health, University of West Attica (UNIWA).

Representatives from all participating countries – Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Ireland – attended in person, while there was also significant active online participation. The excellent organization and warm hospitality created a collaborative and open communication environment, boosting optimism around the successful progress of the project.

On the first day, discussions focused on the progress of WP2 and WP3, including publication planning, needs assessment, and the development of the educational curriculum for healthcare professionals, aiming to support the mental well-being of young adults with cancer experience and their families.

In this context, the importance of approaches linking physical activity, natural environments, and mental health was highlighted, recognizing nature as a space for recovery and meaningful experiences for young people who have undergone demanding treatments.

During the short breaks, participants had the opportunity to meet and exchange views on the challenges and best practices in the field of mental health for young adults with cancer.

Later in the afternoon, participants enjoyed a lovely dinner at Iamvos Restaurant, located in the historic neoclassical building “Kostis Palamas” of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, in a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged networking and human interaction.

On the second day, the work continued with the further development and evaluation of the MELODIC intervention (WP4), with particular emphasis on the blue and green spaces as a key component of its design, followed by discussions on the communication, dissemination, and sustainability strategy (WP5), as well as project management and quality assurance (WP1).

Partners actively participated, exchanging knowledge and experiences, and planning the next steps of the collaboration, while later braving the chilly weather for the optional visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, where they admired the National Library, the National Opera, and the blue and green spaces of the foundation, combining nature with inspiration.

Kapa3’s participation in the MELODIC Consortium ensures that the voices of young adults with cancer experience and their families are considered at every stage of the project.

We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with our European partners, preparing the next phase of the project and disseminating its results, aiming to enhance the mental health and overall well-being of young adults with cancer across Europe.

More information about the project can be found here.

Download our Press Release in pdf or word

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

January 21 – International Hug Day

January 21 has been internationally recognized as International Hug Day, a day dedicated to the power of human touch, emotional connection, and care. Established in 1986, this day serves as a reminder that simple, human gestures can have a meaningful impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Hugs are not merely spontaneous expressions of affection. Various scientific studies have shown that physical contact, such as hugging, is linked to reduced stress levels and increased oxytocin, the so-called “bonding hormone,” which is associated with feelings of safety, trust, and emotional closeness. Physical touch has also been correlated with improvements in psychological wellbeing and emotional regulation, particularly during periods of heightened stress or emotional strain.

For people living with cancer or other serious illnesses, as well as their caregivers, emotional support and human connection are essential elements of care. A hug can act as a silent affirmation that someone is not alone, without the need for words or explanations. While it does not replace medical or psychological support, it can offer relief, comfort, and a sense of companionship.

The need for human connection has also been expressed through social initiatives such as the “Free Hugs” movement, which emerged in the 2000s to symbolically highlight the importance of physical touch in public spaces. Although not a scientific intervention, such actions reflected the collective human desire for closeness, understanding, and emotional contact.

At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that physical touch is not experienced in the same way by everyone. For some individuals, hugs or any form of physical contact may be difficult or unwanted due to personal boundaries, past experiences, or psychological state. International Hug Day is not about imposing closeness, but about reminding us of the importance of respect, consent, and empathy. Care can be expressed in many ways: through presence, conversation, or acts of understanding – and when a hug is welcomed, it can serve as a powerful symbol of support.

In an era where loneliness, isolation, and mental strain are growing challenges, the value of human connection is more relevant than ever. Hugs, as symbols of closeness and care, remind us that even small, simple gestures can carry significant meaning.

At KAPA3, we believe in the power of meaningful support and empathy at every stage of illness and caregiving. We stand alongside individuals who need understanding, respect, and genuine care, promoting emotional empowerment and solidarity.

International Hug Day is an opportunity to remember that, with respect, empathy, and meaningful connection, we can make a real difference.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

January – Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is internationally dedicated to raising awareness about cervical cancer. Known as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it aims to highlight the importance of prevention, early detection, and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for nearly all cases of the disease.

Cervical cancer remains a major public health issue worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 660,000 new cases are diagnosed globally each year, and more than 350,000 women lose their lives to the disease. It is among the most common cancers affecting women, particularly in regions where access to preventive screening and vaccination is limited. At the same time, it is one of the few cancers that can largely be prevented through organized prevention and early detection programmes.

In Greece, available data indicate that around 700 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, while more than 280 deaths are attributed to the disease each year. The estimated incidence is approximately 8 cases per 100,000 women. Although this places Greece close to the European average, it also highlights the need for further improvement in prevention and early diagnosis.

Cervical cancer is closely linked to chronic infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus transmitted mainly through sexual contact.

HPV vaccination, combined with regular gynaecological screening through Pap tests and HPV tests, can significantly reduce the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. In this context, the World Health Organization has set the goal of eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2030, through high vaccination coverage, universal screening, and timely treatment.

January serves as an important reminder that information and prevention save lives. Open discussion around women’s health, free from fear and stigma, empowers women to take care of themselves and to claim prevention as a fundamental right.

Special emphasis should be placed on the systematic education of younger generations, as prevention begins long before any symptoms appear. Access to reliable information, preventive screening services, and vaccination programmes is a key factor in reducing health inequalities and protecting future generations.

At KAPA3, we believe that information and prevention are core pillars of care and empowerment. Through the dissemination of reliable information and the support of initiatives that promote public health, we stand alongside every woman who needs knowledge, prevention, and timely care.

Because cervical cancer can be prevented, we encourage everyone to take action. Give a meaningful gift to the women you care about: daughters, sisters, mothers, friends, partners, spouses. Talk openly about women’s health, share information, support initiatives, challenge taboos, and promote early diagnostic screening.

Information and open dialogue are the strongest tools we have.

Sources:

World Health Organization (WHO)
Cervical cancer – Fact sheet

WHO – Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC / WHO)
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

ICO / IARC HPV Information Centre – Greece Factsheet

Ministry of Health – National Immunization Programme

Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY)
HPV and cervical cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Enjoying Life – The New Year’s Message: Small Moments, Big Meaning

As the new year unfolds before us, let’s take a few moments to pause and notice what brings us joy and peace. At Kapa3, we believe that the ability to truly enjoy — to fully experience the small, positive moments of everyday life — can guide us toward a more balanced and meaningful life. Enjoying life is not just a phrase; it is a way of living.

It’s the moment we catch ourselves smiling over a warm drink, the gentle touch of a pet, or an unexpected phone call that brings joy. It’s paying attention to a loved one who needs a little care, a “I love you” or “I’m sorry” given or received. It’s the moment we lift our gaze as we walk and notice the trees, the color of the sky, the changing world around us.

It could also be the taste of a favorite meal, the warmth of a coffee, a book whose pages we’ve lost ourselves in, a new outfit, or a film that moves us at the cinema or at home. Every small experience carries power — reminding us to be present, to appreciate, and to care for ourselves and those around us.

Just like the message behind Kapa3’s good-luck charm of the year, the Crown, the concept of enjoying life reminds us to make room for small acts of care and moments of calm that fill us with strength.

Research shows that conscious attention to small moments of joy and a positive mindset can have a real impact on both physical and mental health. Even brief moments of relaxation, laughter, or calm improve our body’s ability to cope with stress and recover from challenges. This practice benefits not only patients but also caregivers, who need strength and balance to care for others with love and mindfulness.

For patients and caregivers, this approach can make a real difference. Our psychology is deeply affected by small joys: a smile, a warm word, or a moment of care for others or ourselves. Mindful attention to these moments enhances our ability to face challenges and experience peace.

This year, let’s choose to give space to these moments. Let’s take small breaks to feel the present, to breathe, and to focus on what truly matters. Every consciously lived moment, every smile, every act of care strengthens our lives in ways words can barely capture.

At the start of this year, we wish for everyone — patients, caregivers, and friends of Kapa3 — to find the chance to pause for small, positive moments, to enjoy them, and let this conscious joy guide a 2026 full of peace, care, and mindfulness.

Let enjoying life be the voice guiding our year.

Text by: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3