k3-editor, Author at K3 - Page 14 of 21

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

Continuing the Journey: Holistic Body and Mind Care with Kapa3 and the University of the Peloponnese

After the first round of meetings held in April (see the related article here), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the University of the Peloponnese continue their collaboration with a new series of experiential workshops dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind.

The meetings are open to people living with cancer, caregivers, and healthcare professionals — to anyone seeking a space for genuine communication, understanding, and empowerment.

In this new cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two sides of the same care.

In the mental health sessions, participants learn to recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety or fear, strengthen their resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

At the same time, the nutrition sessions explore how balanced and mindful eating can support the body, enhance energy and mood, and become an act of self-care and self-respect. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to show love — to the body, the soul, and to life itself.

The meetings are held online and are based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust.

To express your interest: Registration Form for the Support Group for People with Cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3

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

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and remind ourselves of the importance of early detection and prevention. One of the most common questions people ask is: “What can I do to lower my risk of breast cancer?”

The truth is that while doctors don’t know exactly what causes breast cancer, research has identified certain factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Some of these are beyond our control, while others are linked to lifestyle choices and can be modified. By learning the difference, we empower ourselves to take the best possible care of our health.

Unchangeable Risk Factors

Some risk factors cannot be avoided. These include:

Sex: Being female or assigned female at birth is the biggest risk factor.
Age: Risk increases with age; two out of three invasive breast cancers occur in women 55 or older.
Family History and Genetics: A family history of breast cancer or inherited genetic mutations (such as BRCA1/2) increases risk.
Personal History: Women previously diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to develop it again.
Past Radiation: Radiation to the chest or face before age 30 raises risk.
Certain Breast Conditions: Some non-cancerous breast changes are linked to higher risk.

Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors

Our daily habits and choices also play a significant role:

Weight: Being overweight, especially after menopause, increases risk.
Physical Activity: Lack of regular exercise is linked to higher risk.
Smoking and Alcohol: Both are associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Hormonal Factors: Use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormonal contraception may raise risk in some women.
Reproductive History: Age at first childbirth, number of pregnancies, and breastfeeding history all influence risk.
Menstrual History: Early onset of menstruation is associated with slightly higher risk.

Emerging Risk Factors

Research is ongoing, but some additional factors are being studied, such as:

Low vitamin D levels.
Night-shift work and exposure to bright light at night.
Exposure to chemicals (in food, plastics, cosmetics, sunscreens, pesticides, pollution).
Frequent consumption of grilled or smoked meats.
High levels of air pollution.

Myths and Misconceptions

It’s equally important to clear up what does not increase risk. Research shows no evidence that abortion, antiperspirants, bras, or dairy products cause breast cancer.

We may not be able to control every risk factor, but every small step toward a healthier lifestyle truly makes a difference. Exercise, balanced nutrition, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking are not just prevention measures — they’re acts of daily self-care.
At Kapa3, we believe that awareness and support save lives. No one is ever alone on this journey. We promise to continue to speak openly, share knowledge, and stand beside every woman. Because awareness is not about fear; it’s about strength, hope, and small steps toward a healthier tomorrow.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3

World Osteoporosis Day

Every year on October 20th, the world observes World Osteoporosis Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. First established by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) in 1996, the day serves to educate the public on the importance of bone health, early diagnosis, and prevention strategies, highlighting that osteoporosis is not just an age-related issue but a concern affecting millions globally, including younger adults.

Osteoporosis is particularly significant for cancer patients, as both the disease and certain cancer treatments can compromise bone health. Therapies such as hormone deprivation for breast or prostate cancer, long-term steroid use, or chemotherapy may accelerate bone loss, increasing the likelihood of fractures, chronic pain, and reduced mobility. For patients already facing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer, maintaining bone strength becomes essential not only for quality of life but also for their overall recovery and long-term well-being.

In Greece, osteoporosis is a prevalent concern. According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 22.3% of women and 6.9% of men aged 50 years or more were estimated to have osteoporosis in 2019. This condition leads to significant health burdens, with 684,000 new fragility fractures reported in 2019 alone. The economic impact is also notable, with the direct cost of incident fractures amounting to €694.7 million in 2019.

For cancer patients, the risk is even higher. Studies indicate that following adjuvant chemotherapy, cancer patients are more likely to develop osteopenia and osteoporosis, affecting up to two-thirds of males and more than half of females. This underscores the importance of proactive bone health management in oncology care.

At Kapa3, we are committed to supporting cancer patients in maintaining optimal bone health. While we do not provide direct medical interventions, we emphasize education, guidance, and psychological support for those navigating health challenges. By promoting awareness of conditions like osteoporosis, especially in the context of cancer care, we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers with knowledge and practical strategies to maintain bone health and prevent complications.

World Osteoporosis Day is a reminder that prevention, timely diagnosis, and lifestyle measures—including nutrition, regular weight-bearing exercise, and appropriate supplementation—play a crucial role in reducing the burden of osteoporosis. Health systems, patient organizations, and communities can work together to ensure that vulnerable populations, including cancer patients, have access to accurate information, screening services, and supportive care.

As we honor this day, Kapa3 encourages everyone to consider bone health as part of comprehensive patient care. By increasing awareness and fostering informed choices, we can help individuals live stronger, safer, and healthier lives, even in the face of serious illness. Osteoporosis may silently weaken bones, but knowledge, prevention, and support can strengthen patients’ resilience and quality of life.

For more information, please refer to the International Osteoporosis Foundation’s report on osteoporosis in Greece: IOF Greece Report.

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