Author: k3-editor

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – March

March is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting prevention of colorectal cancer, one of the most common but also highly treatable cancers when detected early. It is also referred to as colorectal carcinoma.

According to a European Commission report published in March 2021, colorectal cancer accounted for 12.7% of all new cancer diagnoses and 12.4% of all cancer-related deaths in the EU-27 countries in 2020. By 2045, it is estimated that 3.29 million new cases will be diagnosed worldwide, leading to 1.66 million deaths.

The disease occurs more frequently in men than in women, with age being a significant factor. Approximately 90% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer worldwide are over 50 years old.

Prevention and early detection save lives.

Regular screenings, such as colonoscopy, can detect early lesions or precancerous changes before they develop into serious disease. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken for histological examination if a suspicious lesion is found, and polyps can be removed to prevent progression to cancer.

Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease, the tumor’s molecular characteristics, and the patient’s overall health. Standard therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy—which plays a key role in rectal cancer—as well as targeted therapies and immunotherapies guided by specific molecular biomarkers.

Through the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, the goal is to detect precancerous lesions or the disease itself early, allowing prompt intervention and treatment. Adenomatous polyps or early-stage neoplasms have a 100% cure rate when managed at an early stage, highlighting the critical importance of early detection.

For more information, visit the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program website: https://colon.gov.gr

For any questions, you can contact the service department at tel. 11401 or via email: prolipsis-helpdesk@idika.gr.

Sources:

Digital Access to Test Results: An Important Right for Patients

Digital access to medical test results has become an important right for patients in Greece, following new regulations that strengthen the use of the Digital Repository of Diagnostic Laboratory Results. According to the relevant decision published in the Government Gazette (March 2026), public and private healthcare units collaborating with EOPYY are required to record diagnostic test results in digital form within a specified timeframe.

This change is not just a technical procedure or an administrative obligation for healthcare providers. In practice, it represents a meaningful enhancement of patients’ rights, ensuring that every citizen can have immediate and organized access to their medical data.

Digital access to test results now reduces the need for physical documents, printed copies, or trips to diagnostic centers. Instead, results are stored in a unified digital environment connected to the Individual Electronic Health Record. This allows patients to have their test history consolidated, reducing the risk of losing important information.

For people living with cancer, this development is especially significant. Disease monitoring often involves repeated tests, visits to different doctors, and continuous evaluation of results. Immediate access to all data facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals and contributes to more coordinated and effective care.

Moreover, the obligation to record results is linked to reimbursement procedures through EOPYY, enhancing transparency in the healthcare system. This ensures that only tests that have actually been performed are reimbursed, limiting abuse and strengthening the reliability of services.

It is also worth noting that data management is carried out under the current personal data protection framework, safeguarding patients’ privacy and information security.

Transitioning to a more digital healthcare system is not just a technological advancement. It is a step toward a more human, transparent, and accessible system of care, where the patient has an active role and meaningful control over their own data.

Ultimately, strengthening digital access to test results represents an important step forward in empowering patients and improving the quality of healthcare provided.

Source: Government Gazette, FEK B’ 1503/17.03.2026

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 at the Scientific Meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Disruptions” – Focusing on Supportive Care and Its Limits

At the scientific meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Disruptions”, held on March 13–14, 2026 at the Divani Caravel, Kapa3 actively contributed to discussions on supportive care for oncology patients, a critical area for improving quality of life and holistic patient support.

The meeting was organized by the Hellenic Oncology Patient Support Institute, under the chairmanship of Christos Panopoulos, and was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Cancer Society and the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists. It has become a recognized annual event for the oncology community, highlighting each year the latest challenges and rapid developments in the field.

Progress in oncology is continuous and impressive, with scientific advances steadily enhancing the possibilities for personalized treatment, while simultaneously improving patients’ quality of life and turning some forms of cancer into manageable chronic conditions.

During the two-day meeting, key developments were presented in critical areas such as precision medicine, immunotherapy, and novel therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence and molecular analysis in modern clinical practice.

Kapa3 participated in the roundtable on supportive care for oncology patients, held on Friday, March 13, represented by Ms. Evangeli Bista. She noted that attending the conference gave her the opportunity to engage with people leading initiatives in patient support and advocacy. The roundtable addressed critical topics such as the role of healthcare professionals, pain management in Greece, and the adequacy of existing care structures.

In the discussion on psychosocial support, Ms. Bista, representing Kapa3 and drawing from her daily experience with oncology patients, emphasized that addressing the challenges arising from the patient journey is particularly demanding, as the high volume of cases and the fragmentation of the healthcare and social support system create exponentially more issues to manage.

When asked whether voluntary work alone is sufficient to meet the growing needs of patients, her response was clear:

…voluntary action is a valuable and essential pillar of social support. The improvement of patients’ quality of life relies heavily on voluntary efforts that take place across the country under challenging conditions. However, it is not sufficient on its own to meet the complex and increasing needs of patients.

As highlighted during the discussion, voluntary contributions are crucial for filling gaps in the system and strengthening social protection. At the same time, a more comprehensive and institutionally supported approach is necessary. This includes:

• adequate and stable funding
• continuous training and empowerment of all stakeholders
• clear and functional legal frameworks
• a shift in mindset among healthcare professionals, patients, and administrators
• and the development of integrated policies in the field of supportive care

Kapa3’s intervention underscored the importance of psychosocial support as an integral part of oncology supportive care, promoting a more holistic, humane, and sustainable approach to patient management. As Ms. Bista noted, participating in the two-day meeting serves as a reminder that the fight to support patients requires all of us on the same side.

Update on Constant Attendance Allowance – March 2026

Based on the latest available data for March 2026, the Constant Attendance Allowance, provided through e-EFKA, has been increased and now reaches up to €845–846 per month, depending on the category and insurance status. This allowance applies to pensioners with severe disabilities or serious mobility impairments who require continuous assistance and supervision from another person, following disability certification by the KEPAs.

The year 2026 features increases and retroactive payments in EFKA allowances, including disability benefits, aiming to strengthen support for vulnerable pensioners and reduce financial difficulties in daily life. This adjustment reflects the ongoing commitment to support pensioners with increased care needs.

Eligible Pensioners

  • Pensioners with a disability rate above 67%, for whom continuous care by another person is certified.

  • Blind elderly pensioners.

  • Survivors’ pensioners, provided the deceased had their first insurance before 1/1/1993.

Amounts and Supplements

  • For those insured before 1/1/1993, the supplement reaches 50% of the pension, up to €671.40.

  • For those insured from 1/1/1993 onwards, the amount is €173.34.

  • Employees may also receive an extra-institutional allowance, with a total maximum of €846.

  • At a social assistance level, the amount can reach up to €380 per month.

For public sector pensioners, the corresponding supplement is calculated at 2.5% to 4.5% of the basic lieutenant salary, depending on the degree of incapacity, and in cases of 80% or higher incapacity, the amount increases by 50%. The allowance is tax-free and protected from garnishment.

Important Note: The official decision on the adjustment is expected to be published in the Government Gazette in the coming days. Once available, the article will be updated with full details and the official Gazette reference.

This increase on the Constant Attendance Allowance, forms part of the broader adjustment of social welfare allowances for 2026, confirming the commitment to support pensioners with higher self-care needs and ensure a dignified standard of living.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Digital Health Technologies in Europe: New European Commission Report Highlights Opportunities and Challenges

Digital health technologies in Europe are a key pillar in transforming care systems, as highlighted in the new European Commission report (published in 2026), titled “Observatory for Digital Health Technologies in Europe”. The report, prepared for the Directorate-General CONNECT (DG CNECT) by Capgemini Invent and IDC, provides a comprehensive overview of the EU27 digital health market, analyzing both the technology ecosystem and its economic impact.

The report is structured in three main sections. The first focuses on the creation of the Digital Health Technologies Observatory, a strategic tool for monitoring adoption, innovation, and investment in the sector. The second part presents the economic analysis of five selected technologies, while the third contains conclusions and policy recommendations.

The analysis draws on extensive data, including pan-European surveys of healthcare providers and technology companies, expert interviews, mapping of hundreds of providers, and analysis of tens of thousands of investment records. The findings depict a rapidly growing yet fragmented digital health market in Europe.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in this transformation, with 94% of healthcare providers already adopting or planning to integrate it. Technologies such as Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), automated medical imaging analysis, and digital mental health platforms are highlighted as particularly important for improving care quality and enhancing health system efficiency.

The economic benefits are substantial. CDSS are estimated to enable savings of up to €252 billion over a decade, while automated medical imaging analysis could save up to €192 billion. Similarly, digital mental health platforms support early intervention and reduce the burden on healthcare services, providing significant social and economic benefits.

The report also identifies critical challenges, such as market fragmentation, interoperability issues, and dependence on non-EU providers in strategic areas. Additionally, issues related to digital skills, regulatory frameworks, and equitable access continue to affect the widespread adoption of these technologies.

To address these challenges, the report recommends measures such as strengthening interoperability, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting innovation in cutting-edge fields (such as AI and genomics), and integrating principles of sustainability, accessibility, and equity.

The positioning of digital health technologies in Europe as a key pillar for the future of care systems is closely linked with initiatives developed at the national level. In this context, Kapa3 invests in digital tools that enhance information, accessibility, and empowerment of oncology patients, such as the “Myrto” Health Navigator. You can read more about it here.

As Europe seeks to build a more resilient and inclusive health system, leveraging digital technologies emerges as a decisive factor in improving patient quality of life and the effectiveness of healthcare services.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Collaboration between the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 and the Sarcoma Fighters – Patients’ Association for Sarcoma in Greece

Kapa3  – Sarcoma Fighters Collaboration

Aiming to enhance awareness, support, and networking for patients living with sarcoma in Greece, the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is launching a new collaboration with the Sarcoma Fighters – Patients’ Association for Sarcoma in Greece.

 

Sarcomas are rare forms of cancer that develop in the connective tissues of the body, such as bones, muscles, and soft tissues, often requiring specialized and multidisciplinary approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to contribute to broader disease awareness and to amplify the voice of patients and their families.

As part of this partnership, the organizations plan to develop joint awareness and education initiatives, co-organize conferences and events, and explore opportunities for collaboration in national and European programs. Additionally, the exchange of knowledge and experience will be pursued on issues related to patient support and the promotion of access to quality healthcare services.

The Sarcoma Fighters – Patients’ Association for Sarcoma in Greece was founded in December 2025 in Athens with the mission of informing, supporting, and empowering patients with sarcoma and their families, as well as advocating for their rights. Representing a community facing a rare and often complex type of cancer, the Association seeks to raise public awareness, develop partnerships with the scientific community, and implement initiatives that contribute to improved patient care and quality of life. With the central message “No one alone anymore”, the Sarcoma Fighters aim to create a network of information, solidarity, and support for everyone affected by sarcoma in Greece.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is committed to informing, guiding, and empowering people affected by cancer, and to promoting initiatives that improve the daily lives of patients and their families. Through awareness campaigns, support services, and collaborations with the scientific community and civil society organizations, Kapa3 strives to foster a more informed, supportive, and human-centered care environment for all.

This collaboration, which we welcome with great enthusiasm, highlights the importance of partnerships between patient organizations and civil society actors, reinforcing the shared effort to provide better awareness, stronger patient representation, and improved quality of life for all those affected by cancer.

New Collaboration between Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 and the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS)

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS), strengthening synergies between organizations active in the field of health and patient support.

This collaboration aims to develop joint initiatives that will contribute to raising awareness, promoting public information, and providing meaningful support to people living with chronic conditions, with particular focus on cancer patients and persons living with Multiple Sclerosis. Through the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices, the two organizations seek to strengthen actions that promote equal access to information, healthcare services and social inclusion for patients.

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to supporting people living with cancer and their caregivers by providing reliable information, practical guidance and access to benefits and services. At the same time, the organization develops initiatives that enhance patients’ awareness of their rights and promote their psychosocial empowerment. Through initiatives such as Mobile Units, digital tools and educational programmes, Kapa3 promotes a patient-centred approach to cancer care, encouraging patients to actively participate in decisions concerning their health and quality of life, while fostering collaborations with organizations working in the fields of health and social support.

The Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS) is a secondary non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the aim of uniting and supporting primary associations of persons with Multiple Sclerosis across Greece, while also raising awareness about the disease among the wider public. The Federation currently brings together nine primary patient associations from across the country. HFoPwMS implements awareness and advocacy initiatives related to Multiple Sclerosis and works to ensure the equal participation of people with MS in the educational, professional, athletic and cultural life of the country. It is a member of the National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAmeA) and the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations plan to develop joint initiatives such as the organization of conferences, workshops and awareness events, the implementation of information and public awareness campaigns, participation in national and European programmes, as well as the development of joint research initiatives on issues related to patients’ quality of life. The partnership will also contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange among organizations active in the health sector.

This new collaboration reflects the shared vision of the two organizations to strengthen the voice of patients and promote a society that respects, supports and empowers people living with chronic conditions.

Kapa3 and Doctorhomie: Joining Forces to Support Cancer Patients

Kapa3 is pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of cooperation with the digital home-care platform Doctorhomie. The Kapa3–Doctorhomie collaboration aims to strengthen support for cancer patients and their families across Greece.

Since its establishment, the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 has been actively working to provide meaningful guidance to people living with cancer and their caregivers, with a strong focus on access to benefits and services, information about patients’ rights, and psychosocial support. Through Mobile Units, digital tools and educational initiatives, the organization promotes patient-centred care, creates channels of communication with beneficiaries and strengthens their participation in decisions concerning their health. Kapa3’s philosophy is grounded in building partnerships, leveraging technology and fostering collaborations with organizations that share the same vision.

Doctorhomie, on the other hand, is redefining home-based care in Greece by offering an integrated digital platform that connects patients with physicians, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists and caregivers. Through tools that enhance monitoring and management of care at home, Doctorhomie contributes to strengthening Primary Health Care, promoting prevention, supporting families and improving both the safety and quality of care.

The new collaboration between Kapa3 and Doctorhomie opens opportunities for joint initiatives at multiple levels, including:

  • the organization of workshops, conferences and webinars aimed at informing patients, promoting quality of care and strengthening trust between patients and their treating physicians, particularly within the context of home-based care and Primary Health Care,

  • awareness and information campaigns focusing on prevention, the fight against myths and stigma, and a better understanding of patients’ symptoms and needs,

  • participation and collaboration in national and European programmes that promote innovation in oncology care and strengthen digital tools for patients and caregivers,

  • joint research initiatives on topics of shared interest, with the aim of supporting scientific evidence, disseminating knowledge and contributing to health policy development at both national and European level.

This partnership is founded on the shared belief that patient care begins with information and support, is strengthened through education and collaboration, and evolves through the combined use of technology and patient-centred practices.

Kapa3 and Doctorhomie are committed to making the most of this collaboration in order to strengthen patients’ participation in decisions regarding their health, reduce inequalities and provide timely and effective support to those who need it.

With a shared vision of quality and accessible care, Kapa3 and Doctorhomie are opening a new chapter of cooperation in support of cancer patients in Greece.

Download our Press Release in pdf or word

March – Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

March – Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

March is internationally recognized as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells – immune system cells responsible for producing antibodies and defending the body against infections.

This period provides an important opportunity to raise public awareness, highlight the challenges faced by patients, and enhance understanding of the disease, early diagnosis, and the importance of access to modern treatments.

What is Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma develops in the bone marrow, when plasma cells grow uncontrollably and produce abnormal proteins. The presence of these cells can affect the production of healthy blood cells, cause bone damage, and impair the function of vital organs such as the kidneys. Although relatively rare, it is the second most common blood cancer worldwide.

The disease’s symptoms may be initially nonspecific and develop gradually. Fatigue, bone pain – especially in the spine or ribs – frequent infections, anemia, or kidney problems are some of the signs that may prompt further investigation. Early awareness and timely medical evaluation are therefore crucial for diagnosis and disease management.

Multiple Myeloma by the Numbers

Globally, the disease affects a significant number of people. According to international epidemiological data:

  • 188,000 new cases were reported worldwide in 2022

  • Approximately 121,000 people died from the disease the same year

  • It is estimated that more than 540,000 people are currently living with multiple myeloma worldwide

The disease occurs more often in older adults. Most diagnoses occur in people over 60–65 years old, and around 80% of cases are reported in individuals over 65. Experts predict that the disease’s incidence may rise in the coming decades, largely due to the aging population in many countries.

The Situation in Greece

In Greece, the exact epidemiological picture of multiple myeloma is not fully clear, as there is no comprehensive national cancer registry recording all cases systematically.

However, according to available international estimates for 2022:

  • About 763 new multiple myeloma cases were reported in the country

  • Approximately 579 deaths were attributed to the disease

  • It is estimated that around 2,154 people in Greece are living with the disease over a five-year period

These figures highlight the importance of improving health data collection and continuously supporting patients living with the disease.

Advances in Treatments

In recent years, scientific progress has significantly changed the course of the disease.

Modern therapies include:

  • Immunotherapies

  • Monoclonal antibodies

  • Proteasome inhibitors

  • Immunomodulatory drugs

  • CAR‑T cell therapies (for advanced stages of the disease)

New therapeutic combinations and ongoing clinical studies are providing more treatment options, reinforcing hope for even more effective therapies in the future.

The Importance of Awareness and Support

Despite these advancements, public awareness and support for people living with the disease remain crucial. Early diagnosis, access to specialized medical care, and equitable access to modern therapies are key factors in improving disease outcomes and patients’ quality of life.

Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that knowledge, research, and collective effort can make a difference. Through education, support for scientific research, and assistance to patients and their families, we can help create an environment where no one faces cancer alone.

Sources:

https://gco.iarc.fr
(Global Cancer Observatory – International Agency for Research on Cancer)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39658225/
(Global burden and projections of multiple myeloma)

https://www.oecd.org/health/cancer-profiles/greece.html
(EU Country Cancer Profile – Greece)

https://ehoonline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40164-025-00684-x
(Global epidemiology of multiple myeloma)

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3627436/
(Multiple myeloma epidemiology study)

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

High Cost Medicines: One More Addition to Help Patients – Up to Three People Can Now Collect on Their Behalf

As of Monday, February 16, 2026, High-Cost Medicines for cancer patients can now be collected by up to three designated representatives, offering greater flexibility and easier access to treatment through community pharmacies.

This new possibility is particularly important for patients who require regular access to High Cost Medicines but may have difficulty getting to the pharmacy or live far from a pharmacy. By allowing representatives, care becomes more flexible and adapted to everyday needs, while ensuring the safety and correct use of the treatment. In this way, access to therapy is faster, more human-centered, and free from unnecessary hassle.

In this first phase, the option applies to patients with cancer and multiple sclerosis, and it will gradually extend to other High Cost Medicines categories. The steps for collection remain the same: the insured person logs into the platform using Taxisnet + AMKA, selects the pharmacy of their choice, and monitors the progress of their order.

For more details, see our previous article.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3