Category: Cancer Awareness

World Cancer Day: United by Our Uniqueness

Every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day invites us to reflect on one of the greatest challenges of modern public health.

The goal is not only to confront cancer as a disease, but to face it with knowledge, empathy and shared responsibility. Because cancer touches millions of lives in countless ways, yet it does not define who we are. We are more than a diagnosis, more than a number.

World Cancer Day was established in 2000, following the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. It is a core element of the Paris Charter Against Cancer — a global commitment to advancing research, prevention, patient care, awareness and international mobilisation. Since then, the day has served as a reminder that addressing cancer requires long-term vision, cooperation and consistency.

This year’s message, “United by Unique”, highlights a fundamental truth: cancer is not only a medical event.

It is a deeply personal experience. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story — stories of fear and loss, but also of resilience, care, love and healing. Every story counts.

Cancer Today: Facts and Challenges

Cancer remains one of the most significant public health challenges in Europe and in Greece. Data from international and European organisations underline not only the scale of the disease, but also the persistent inequalities in prevention, early detection and access to care.

In Europe, approximately 2.7 million new cancer diagnoses are recorded each year, with around 1.3 million deaths, while the economic burden exceeds €93 billion annually. In Greece, cancer is the second leading cause of death, affecting thousands of families and carrying profound social and psychological consequences.

Progress, Prevention and Hope

At the same time, scientific progress offers well-founded reasons for optimism.

Prevention and early detection remain decisive factors. Screening programmes, vaccination, healthy lifestyle choices and access to reliable information can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve treatment outcomes. In this context, knowledge is not merely information — it is power and a fundamental right.

Advances in cancer management are equally important. Personalised medicine, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and improved management of treatment side effects contribute not only to increased survival rates, but also to a better quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer. Information and education are key tools for both prevention and empowerment.

Mental health plays a crucial role as well. Diagnosis and treatment are often accompanied by anxiety, fear, sadness and emotional exhaustion — affecting not only patients, but also their caregivers. Psychosocial support, counselling services and empowerment groups are essential components of holistic cancer care, helping to preserve dignity and quality of life.

Information, research and mental health care are core pillars of modern cancer management. Indicatively, you may explore the following Kapa3 articles:

Empowerment and Action

World Cancer Day is not just a day of awareness. It is a call to action:

  • to speak openly about prevention and our health,

  • to support people living with cancer and their caregivers,

  • to seek reliable information and evidence-based sources,

  • to advocate for equal access to care and psychological support,

  • to remember that no one should face cancer alone.

Because our strength lies in solidarity — and in respecting the uniqueness of every individual.

United by our uniqueness.

References:

World Health Organization (WHO) – Cancer
https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
https://www.iarc.who.int

Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) – World Cancer Day
https://www.worldcancerday.org

European Commission – Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
https://health.ec.europa.eu/eu-policy/health-strategies/europes-beating-cancer-plan_en

European Cancer Information System (ECIS)
https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu

Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) – Health Data
https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/SHE15/

Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) – Cancer & Public Health
https://eody.gov.gr/

Greek Ministry of Health – Prevention & Screening
https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/prevention-screening

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Cancer: From Prevention to Life Coordination” – Event Announcement, Municipality of Megara & Kapa3

On the occasion of World Cancer Day (4 February), the Municipality of Megara and the Cancer Patient Navigation Center – Kapa3 are organizing the knowledge-focused event “Cancer: From Prevention to Life Coordination” on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at 18:00, at the Municipal Council Hall of Megara City Hall.

The event aims to highlight that addressing cancer is not limited to medical treatment alone, but requires holistic care, proper guidance, and coordinated services, placing the individual, their family, and their social environment at the center.

The objective of the initiative is to emphasize the role of a Health Navigator in cancer management and to underline the importance of interdisciplinarity in oncology care, bringing together the expertise of physicians, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, as well as civil society organizations such as Kapa3, which support patients and caregivers.

The event features the following speakers:

  • Georgios Nintos, Medical Oncologist, MD MSc – Cancer prevention and early diagnosis

  • Katerina Papakonstantinou, Obstetrician–Gynecologist Surgeon, MD MSc PhD – Prevention and gynecological cancer

  • Rojas Andrea Paola, Associate Professor of Biology, Department of Nursing, University of the Peloponnese – Nutrition and prevention

  • Maria Lavdaniti, Professor and Head of the Department of Nursing, International University – The role of oncology nursing in holistic cancer care

  • Penelope Vlotinou, Professor of Occupational Therapy, University of West Attica – Occupational therapy and patients’ daily life

  • Ioanna Sideri, Psychologist MSc, PhD(c), Department of Nursing, University of the Peloponnese – Psychological support for patients and caregivers

  • Grigoria Zacharogianni, Radiation Oncologist, MD MSc PhD, University of West Attica – Therapeutic options from diagnosis to recovery

The event is part of Kapa3’s ongoing presence in Megara and its constructive cooperation with the Municipality, as reflected in the operation of the Cancer Patient Navigation Counseling Station.

It is another opportunity to highlight community-based efforts supporting cancer patients and their families, strengthening awareness, prevention, and meaningful guidance.

Participation is open to health professionals, patients, relatives, and all interested citizens.
It is our great honor to welcome everyone who wishes to learn more about cancer care and holistic management and to take part in a dialogue of knowledge and solidarity, because only together can we build a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

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 – 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

GD2: A Critical Biomarker and Therapeutic Target – What the Latest Evidence Shows

New scientific data highlight GD2 — a glycolipid biomarker expressed in specific cancer cells — as one of the most promising therapeutic targets in modern oncology. A recent review published in an international scientific journal brings together the latest findings on the use of GD2 in immunotherapies, CAR-T cell treatments, monoclonal antibodies, and other innovative approaches.

What is GD2 and why does it matter?

GD2 is a molecule known as disialoganglioside-2, found in high concentrations on the surface of certain cancer cells. This makes it particularly valuable as a target for personalized immunotherapies, as treatments can “recognize” and destroy GD2-positive cells while sparing healthy tissues.

Cancers with high GD2 expression include:
• Neuroblastoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Melanoma
• Breast cancer (triple-negative in some cases)
• Certain lung cancers
• Rare pediatric tumors

In neuroblastoma — one of the most common pediatric cancers — GD2-directed antibody therapy has already improved survival in high-risk patients.

The new scientific review maps the current progress in GD2-targeted therapies, highlighting the technologies showing the strongest clinical potential. GD2-directed monoclonal antibodies, already effective in children with neuroblastoma, are evolving into more precise and safer versions, aiming to expand their use in adult tumors as well. The review also presents updated data from clinical trials of GD2-directed CAR-T cells: despite challenges such as toxicity, tumor escape, and limited persistence, newer CAR-T generations demonstrate improved safety, deeper penetration into solid tumors, and especially promising outcomes in pediatric patients.

The review further examines combination immunotherapies that pair GD2 targeting with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immune checkpoint inhibitors, offering enhanced effectiveness against resistant tumors. Finally, emerging platforms are described — including bispecific antibodies, “smart” nanoparticle-based strategies, and drug-delivery technologies that target only GD2-positive cells — expanding the therapeutic landscape and opening new avenues for future applications.

What does this mean for patients?

GD2-targeted therapy is no longer theoretical — it is already a reality in certain pediatric cancers and is rapidly expanding into other tumor types.

Key benefits for patients include:
• greater precision with reduced toxicity
• the potential for highly individualized treatment based on tumor profile
• new hope for tumors that remain difficult to treat with existing methods
• improved survival prospects, especially for children

For pediatric and young adult patients — a group with historically limited and often highly burdensome treatment options — GD2-directed therapies represent a significant step forward.

Despite the important progress made, several challenges remain. These include side effects such as neuropathic pain, tumor resistance or escape from targeting, the high cost and limited availability of advanced treatments, and the need for large, multi-center clinical trials to produce more robust and generalizable data. Still, research activity is intensifying, with dozens of clinical studies currently ongoing worldwide.

Within this evolving landscape, Kapa3 remains committed to providing accurate, accessible, and compassionate information to patients and families, particularly those facing severe, rare, or pediatric cancers. Advances in GD2-targeted therapies are opening new pathways for children and young people with limited options today , showcasing the power and potential of immunotherapy. At the same time, they highlight the urgent need for equitable access to innovative treatments for patients in Greece.

Kapa3 will continue to follow scientific developments closely and keep the community informed in a clear, reliable, and human-centered way.

Sources: Here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against cancer.The European Cancer Organisation’s “Harnessing AI for Cancer Care in Europe” report

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the fight against cancer, enabling machines to learn, reason, and assist humans in detecting, diagnosing and treating the disease more accurately and efficiently. It works by analysing vast amounts of data, learning patterns, and making predictions or recommendations to support human decision-making.

Cancer care is rapidly transforming with the use of AI, which serves as a powerful tool in prevention, detection, treatment and research of the disease. The European Cancer Organisation’s “Harnessing AI for Cancer Care in Europe” report states that AI has the potential to transform every stage of the cancer pathway. Simultaneously, the report emphasises the need for AI to be used responsibly, by protecting patients, upholding ethical standards, and aligning with European values, to ensure its benefits are delivered fairly and effectively across healthcare systems.

The Promise of AI in Cancer Care

The report highlights several ways AI can improve cancer outcomes across the care pathway. In primary prevention, AI can analyse genetic, environmental, and lifestyle data to identify high-risk patients and guide preventive strategies before symptoms appear. For early detection, AI can dramatically speed up screening, reducing test interpretation from days to hours, improving accuracy, and lowering missed diagnoses. In diagnostics, deep-learning models trained on large datasets can detect even the smallest lesions, prioritise urgent cases, and support more precise diagnoses. AI also enables personalised treatment by integrating tumour genomics, imaging data, and real-world outcomes to help clinicians select the most effective therapies for individual patients. Finally, in drug development, AI can identify promising compounds and targets, shortening traditional development cycles and discovering new uses for existing medicines.

Challenges That Cannot Be Ignored

However, the report also highlights significant risks associated with AI in cancer care. Key concerns include regulatory gaps as AI tools advance faster than current rules, making it challenging to ensure they remain safe, accurate, and accountable. Many promising AI systems require further validation in real-world clinical settings, as untested tools could lead to misdiagnoses or unsafe decisions. Bias and inequity are also risks, since AI trained on unrepresentative data may produce less accurate recommendations for specific patient groups. Implementation barriers, such as limited infrastructure, funding, and trained staff, can hinder the integration of AI into everyday healthcare. Finally, trust issues may arise, as both patients and clinicians need to understand and have confidence in AI systems for them to be effectively adopted.

Policy Recommendations: A Roadmap for Safe and Effective Use

To tackle these challenges, the report puts forward four key recommendations. First, it calls for national standards and validation frameworks, including speciality-specific rules and post-market monitoring of AI tools. Second, it emphasises the importance of training and literacy, proposing pan-European AI education to ensure that at least 50% of oncology professionals are confident in using AI by 2030. Third, the report urges robust regulatory guidance and oversight, including EU-wide support for data protection under GDPR, implementation of the AI Act, and strong patient engagement to ensure clinical accountability. Finally, it highlights the need for investment in data infrastructure, leveraging the European Health Data Space to harmonise systems, modernise cancer registries, and build representative datasets that support safe and effective AI deployment.

Why This Matters for Kapa3

Building on these advancements, K3 is preparing to launch its digital assistant, “Myrto”, in 2026. Designed to harness the power of AI, “Myrto” will support patients and healthcare professionals across the cancer care pathway. By integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities with user-friendly guidance, “Myrto” exemplifies K3’s commitment to improving outcomes, streamlining workflows, and empowering both patients and clinicians in Europe’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

To see the full article, please click here.

https://www.europeancancer.org/resources/publications/harnessing-ai-for-cancer-care-in-europe.html

When Art Meets Science: How CREATE Platform May Strengthen Emotional Regulation in Cancer Care

At Kapa3, we recognize that cancer affects far more than the body, challenging the emotions, sense of self, relationships, and quality of life of those suffering. Despite the high prevalence of co-occuring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, access to mental health services remains limited. This gap between patient needs and healthcare provisions is precisely what motivated us to help develop CREATE, an innovative digital platform designed to support emotional resilience through a powerful combination of art, technology, and emotional engagement (Ladas et al., 2025).

The CREATE (Creative and Resilience through Arts, Technology, and Emotions) platform uses computerised cognitive training (CCT) designed to enhance emotional regulation by integrating working memory training, engagement with famous artwork, and creative emotional expression. Unlike other platforms, it only targets one cognitive function: working memory. Evidence suggests that focusing on a single cognitive function is more effective than targeting multiple ones. Working memory in particular has been found to influence emotional regulation, a skillset with established benefits for anxiety and depression.

CREATE therefore introduces a unified framework that addresses cognitive function, emotional expression, and biological influences such as sleep quality and dopamine activity. Such digital health solutions are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives to standard psychotherapy, offering greater accessibility and affordability while still capable of reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Findings from the pilot study on CREATE were very promising; the participants found the platform easy to use and enjoyable, and showed increased emotional and creative engagement. Although this early research focused on feasibility and validity rather than therapeutic effectiveness, initial findings indicate improvements in emotional regulation. Importantly, the study demonstrated positive relationships between working memory, emotional regulation, and expression of emotion, while also suggesting that sleep and dopamine may mediate these effects.

These insights highlight the importance of lifestyle and biological data in developing personalized digital mental health tools. It is well established in neuroscience that working memory plays a central role in emotional regulation. A stronger working memory allows individuals to better cope with distressing thoughts, shift their attention, and respond more calmly to challenges. For people living with cancer, supporting these cognitive and emotional capacities makes daily life more manageable. Improved thinking skills can facilitate treatment adherence, informed decision-making, and a more effective management of the emotional turbulence that often accompanies illness.

The study relied on a convenience sample made up mostly of cancer-related healthcare professionals, and only one cancer survivor participated. To address this limitation, the next phase of research will focus entirely on cancer patients and survivors. Their unique challenges, including cancer-related fatigue and treatment-related cognitive changes, will be central to refining the platform and ensuring that CREATE is tailored to the needs of those it aims to benefit the most. This creates not only a more impactful intervention but also empowers patients to have a voice in shaping the future of supportive cancer care.

As we look ahead, CREATE offers a hopeful vision for digital mental-health support. It is scalable, affordable, and adaptable, making it especially valuable for people who lack access to mental health care. Intervening early and supporting emotional well-being throughout treatment and survivorship may reduce the long-term strain on healthcare services associated with mental health conditions.  As cancer treatment continues to evolve, we must make sure that psychological care develops along with it. And CREATE does just that.

Read the full study

References

Ladas, A. I., Katsoridou, C., Gravalas, T., Klados, M. A., Stravoravdi, A. S., Tsompanidou, N., Fragkedaki, A., Bista, E., Chorafa, T., Petrovic, K., Vlotinou, P., Tsiakiri, A., Papazisis, G., & Frantzidis, C. A. (2025). Creativity and REsilience Through Arts, Technology and Emotions: A Pilot Study on the Feasibility and Validity of the CREATE Platform. Brain Sciences, 15(11), 1171.

‌Article by Despina Chrysostomidou, Psychologist, for Kapa3 Research Insights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.