Author: k3-editor

New limits on diagnostic tests by EOPYY

What applies to oncology patients

With a new decision by the Ministry of Health (Government Gazette 5325/B/2025), stricter rules are in effect for the repetition of diagnostic tests for EOPYY-insured patients, aiming to reduce costs. However, oncology and hematology patients are exempt in many cases, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted medical monitoring.

What changes

  • For a series of laboratory and imaging tests (hematology, biochemistry, hormone tests, tumor markers, ultrasounds, CT, MRI, etc.), it is explicitly stated:
    “Oncology and hematology patients are exempt”, allowing more frequent repetition when justified by the attending physician.

  • For tests such as cancer markers, PET/CT scans, and scintigraphy, the exemption is automatic without time restrictions, as these are part of routine disease monitoring.

  • Oncology patients are also included in the new “Radio-pharmaceutical Reimbursement Procedure”, covering nuclear medicine tests and ensuring full reimbursement.

In summary, for oncology patients, the ability to repeat tests essentially does not change — on the contrary, they are legally protected, as the prescribed exemptions remain.

However, the new framework introduces stricter controls on prescription and reimbursement, which may lead to delays or differences among diagnostic centers and could indirectly affect access and the speed at which tests are carried out.

The full page of the Government Gazette (ΦΕΚ) can be viewed here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

 

Raising the Standards: Europe’s QA Scheme for Breast Cancer Services

The European Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme for Breast Cancer Services, part of the European Commission Initiative on Breast Cancer (ECIBC), is a voluntary certification program covering the full care pathway—from screening to palliative care.

Designed to support quality improvement across Europe, it provides evidence-based guidelines and common quality and safety requirements.

The scheme has been piloted in multiple European countries, confirming its feasibility and usefulness in real healthcare settings. Services meeting the standards can apply for accredited certification, ensuring consistent, high-quality care.

The program is coordinated by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with DG SANTE, under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

To learn more, click here 

October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17 has been established by the United Nations as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against a phenomenon that continues to affect millions of people worldwide. The observance began in 1987, when thousands of citizens gathered in Paris to honor the victims of extreme poverty and advocate for a more just and equitable future for all.

Poverty is not only about lack of income—it affects access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, and mental well-being. For people living with serious or chronic illnesses, such as cancer, financial insecurity further complicates daily life, limiting access to treatments, medications, and supportive services.

According to the latest Hellenic Statistical Authority data (Income and Living Conditions Survey 2024), 26.9% of Greece’s population—approximately 2.74 million people—is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, an increase compared to the previous year. Greece ranks second in the EU after Bulgaria, highlighting the difficulty households face in coping with inflation, the energy crisis, and limited social protection.

Globally, according to the United Nations World Social Report 2025, over 690 million people live in extreme poverty (less than $2.15 per day), while 1.1 billion experience multidimensional poverty, lacking access to healthcare, education, and a decent standard of living. Social and economic crises, combined with climate change, disproportionately impact vulnerable households, increasing inequalities and reducing opportunities for stable recovery.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty also emphasizes the role of communities and decision-makers in creating inclusive systems. Addressing social determinants of health, ensuring access to essential services, and empowering vulnerable groups are critical to reducing inequalities and improving quality of life. By working together—health professionals, social organizations, and civil society—we can create a world where those facing illness are not further burdened by poverty.

At Kapa3, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare and decent living conditions are fundamental human rights. Poverty and health are interconnected—the one can easily amplify or worsen the other. Through awareness, empowerment, and social support initiatives, we strive to contribute to a society where no one is deprived of the care they deserve, regardless of income. 

Read more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty

https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/3d7d2251-2302-9023-5280-a1d962c3a7a5

Kapa3 honored with Gold Award at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025 NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare

A major distinction was awarded to the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3, which received the Gold Award in the category “NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare” at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the awards recognize organizations and initiatives that promote sustainable entrepreneurship and social impact. The ceremony took place on October 14th at the Anais Club, under the auspices of the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, SEV-VIAN, and SETE.

This award highlights Kapa3’s consistent commitment to holistic cancer care, offering free psychosocial guidance, empowerment programs, educational activities, social reintegration initiatives, and innovative digital tools.

Evangelia Bista, President and Founder of Kapa3, stated:

“More than a success, this distinction is a reminder of our values — collaboration, quality, dedication, empathy, and innovation. I am deeply grateful for this exceptional team whose integrity, tireless effort, and shared vision make a difference for our patients. This award belongs to them.”

Since its establishment, Kapa3 has supported more than 10,000 patients and families, while over 1,000 new users visit its website daily for reliable information and guidance. Through scientific evidence, digital innovation, and strong partnerships with public and European stakeholders, Kapa3 promotes a new model of cancer care based on equality, dignity, and inclusion.

As Ms. Bista noted:

“One swallow can make a spring — if you believe in it. And at Kapa3, we’ve been believing it for years, against all odds. We believe.”

“This recognition gives us renewed energy to pursue our mission with dedication, to remain on the frontlines for patients and their families, and to commit every day to improving the support we provide.”

World Food Day: Nourishment as a Pillar of Recovery, Equity & Dignity

Every year on October 16, we pause to remember that food is not a luxury — it is a fundamental human right. As the global theme underscores, “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” we cannot separate what we eat from how we live, survive, and heal.

The Cancer–Nutrition Connection

For people living with cancer, nutrition can shift from routine to lifeline. The right balance of proteins, micronutrients, hydration, and calories helps sustain strength, improve tolerance of treatments, and support recovery. Yet many cancer patients face serious obstacles: loss of appetite, changes in taste, nausea, fatigue, and swallowing problems. These side effects often lead to undernutrition or weight loss, which in turn can weaken resilience against therapy.

The Shadow of Food Insecurity

The medical challenges compound when food access is uncertain. Studies show that between 17% and 55% of cancer patients worldwide experience food insecurity. Among survivors, those struggling with insecure nutrition have been shown to carry a 28% higher risk of mortality compared to those with stable access. In some research from the U.S., about 6% of older cancer survivors report food insecurity, especially when healthcare costs become “catastrophic” relative to income. These numbers are alarming — they confirm that disease and deprivation often travel together.

The Broader Picture

Food systems globally are strained by climate change, supply chain disruptions, inequalities, and the overuse of ultra-processed foods. In cancer contexts, a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake has been linked with higher incidence of some cancers (breast, colorectal, head & neck). Ensuring equitable access to fresh, minimally processed foods is critical to prevention and treatment alike.

At Kapa3, we firmly believe that caring for people with cancer goes far beyond medical treatment. Proper nutrition, psychological support, and reliable information are equally important pillars for each person’s wellbeing and dignity.
Raising awareness about nutrition is an essential part of our mission to highlight issues related to quality of life, encourage healthy choices, and remind everyone that even the smallest changes in our daily habits can make a meaningful difference in supporting both patients and their caregivers.

On this World Food Day, let us commit to more than awareness. We must advocate for policies that ensure nutritious food access as part of healthcare, especially for patients facing serious illness. Governments, NGOs, health institutions — all must collaborate to reduce food deserts, subsidize healthy staples, and integrate food security screening into patient care protocols.

In shared meals, there’s more than sustenance: there’s hope, connection, and dignity. Those fighting cancer deserve every bite of comfort, strength, and life — and none should ever be left behind.

Read more about our Holistic Body and Mind Care online Meetings with Kapa3 and the University of the Peloponnese here

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, prevention, and support for everyone affected by the disease. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, yet early diagnosis and advances in treatment have significantly improved both quality and length of life.

The event began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company that made tamoxifen. The campaign eventually grew into a month-long event.

The core message of this month is simple but crucial: awareness saves lives. Regular mammograms, self-examinations, and timely medical advice when suspicious signs appear are the most powerful tools for prevention and early detection. International studies show that women who participate in screening programs are more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment.

However, October is not just about medical tests. It is a month that highlights the importance of psychosocial support and solidarity. Breast cancer affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Women – and men – facing this diagnosis need a supportive network of family, friends, healthcare professionals, and organizations to guide, encourage, and stand by them every step of the way.

The Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center joins the international community in emphasizing the value of accurate information and equitable access to healthcare services. Through informative articles, prevention guides, and psychological support, our goal is to stand by every person in need, providing reliable knowledge and meaningful assistance.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a campaign: it is a reminder that life can be won when prevention, education, and solidarity become part of our daily practice. October calls on all of us to raise our voices, promote screening, and embrace those fighting their own battles—because no one should face cancer alone.

World Health Summit Side Meeting: Building Healthier Digital Futures with Information Integrity

One Week to Go: World Health Summit 2025!

From October 12–14, global leaders, researchers, and innovators will gather in Berlin for the World Health Summit 2025, tackling some of the most pressing global health challenges. This year, the focus is on Health Information Integrity, emphasizing the importance of reliable, accurate, and accessible health information in an era dominated by search engines, social media, and AI tools.

Highlights of the Summit include:

  • October 13 – The Future of Quality Health Information: A workshop presenting the Nature Medicine Commission’s work on ensuring quality health information for all, and exploring ways to measure its impact and economic value. Learn more

  • October 14 – Building Healthier Digital Futures with Information Integrity: A side event on how transparent governance and resilient information systems can protect communities from misinformation and disinformation amplified by algorithms and viral content. Learn more

The Summit brings together experts and decision-makers worldwide to explore solutions for improving health information quality and promoting evidence-based decision-making.

 

World Palliative Care Day – 11 October 2025

“Leave no one behind: Equity in access to palliative care.”

World Palliative Care Day is a moment to recognize that healthcare is not only about curing disease — it’s also about caring, comforting, and preserving dignity until the very end. Everyone deserves the best possible care, regardless of who they are or where they live.

Globally, more than 50 million people die each year, and it is estimated that around 60% would benefit from hospice and palliative care. Yet access remains deeply unequal: only about 14% of the 73 million adults and children who need palliative care actually receive it. Most of this need is met in high-income countries, while in low- and middle-income regions only 4% of the population in need is served. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed these disparities, highlighting the urgent need to integrate palliative care into public health systems worldwide.

Palliative care is about the whole person — their physical comfort, emotional well-being, social environment, and spiritual peace. It aims to ease pain and suffering while supporting families and caregivers through counselling, practical help, and compassion. Studies show that early integration of palliative care in cancer treatment can improve symptom control, quality of life, and even survival rates.

According to the World Health Organization, palliative care development should follow a public health approach that includes policy, education, medicine availability, and community empowerment. In many countries, especially where health resources are limited, training healthcare professionals and raising public awareness can make a real difference. Local communities, volunteers, and patient organizations play a vital role in reaching those who might otherwise be left behind — offering presence, empathy, and human warmth that no medical intervention can replace.

In Greece, the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO) has emphasized the importance of developing a national palliative care framework. Every year, more than 120,000 people in Greece are estimated to need such care — nearly 37% of them cancer patients — but specialized services remain limited, particularly outside large cities. The HeSMO position paper calls for education, policy support, and the inclusion of palliative care at all levels of the healthcare system.

At Kapa3, we stand with patients and families who face serious illness. Through awareness, advocacy, and human connection, we work toward a healthcare model that values quality of life as much as longevity. Palliative care is not about giving up — it’s about living fully, with dignity, comfort, and compassion, every step of the way.

Read more here

Digital poverty and social exclusion

Internet of Things in EU Households: Who is Connecting and How

A recent Eurostat article looks at how individuals across the European Union are using internet-connected devices (IoT).

In 2024, 70% of EU citizens aged 16–74 reported using Internet of Things (IoT) devices—smart technologies such as internet-connected TVs, smart speakers, fitness trackers, or doorbells. While internet-connected TVs were the most widely used device (58%), wearables like smartwatches or fitness trackers were used by 30%, and home audio systems by 19%. Less common were smart home appliances, energy management systems, security devices, health-related IoT devices, and toys.

Usage patterns vary across age groups. The youngest adults (16–24) show the highest adoption of entertainment-related IoT devices, while the 35–44 age group uses more home-related devices.

Country differences are significant: the Netherlands leads with 95% of citizens using IoT devices, while Greece ranks fourth from the last, just above Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland.

The trend towards digital inequality is concerning. Special attention is needed from social justice actors to avoid automation-driven discrimination facilitated by artificial intelligence. While digitalisation can enhance the efficiency of social protection, there is a risk it may instead serve austerity measures.

Read more here

World Mental Health Day

Every year on 10 October, the world raises its voice for mental health. The World Health Organization reminds us that there is no health without mental health — a truth that is especially important for people living with cancer.

A cancer diagnosis, the treatments, and the uncertainty about the future can create a heavy emotional burden. Many patients experience anxiety, sadness, or feelings of isolation. Studies show that around 30% of people with cancer face psychological challenges such as depression or post-traumatic stress — conditions that affect not only mood but also treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

Psychological distress is not merely a natural reaction to illness; it can influence the immune system, increase chronic inflammation, and reduce the body’s resilience. Behaviourally, it may lead to delays in seeking care, poor adherence to treatment, and social withdrawal. That’s why psychological support is an essential component of cancer care.

A growing body of research shows that interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices significantly reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and stress, while enhancing resilience, post-traumatic growth, and quality of life. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), art-based mindfulness, and guided meditation are all proven to help patients regain emotional balance and strength.

At Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center, we believe care extends beyond medical treatments. Human connection, understanding, and the sense that “you are not alone” can make all the difference. By providing information, support, and a compassionate presence, we aim to lighten the emotional load for both patients and their families.

World Mental Health Day reminds us that caring for the patient is holistic. Cancer is not only a physical battle; it is an emotional journey — and no journey should be faced alone.

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