Cancer Care Connect by Kapa3 Archives

New Scientific Publication with the Participation of Kapa3: Cancer Survivorship in the Post-COVID-19 Era

New scientific publication involving the Cancer Patient Guidance Center – Kapa3 highlights the significant psychological, social, and functional challenges that people living with and beyond cancer continue to face following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The article, entitled “Cancer Survivorship After COVID-19: Psychological Burden, Symptom Experience, and Social Support,” was published in the international peer-reviewed journal Medicina. It examines psychological distress, symptom experience, quality of life, and the protective role of social support among people affected by cancer.

What Did the Study Examine?

The research involved 162 adults diagnosed with cancer in Greece during the post-COVID-19 period. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, stress, health-related quality of life, and perceived social support.

The results revealed a substantial and persistent psychological burden:

32.1% of participants reported severe or extremely severe depression.
40.1% reported severe or extremely severe anxiety.
29% reported severe or extremely severe stress.

The overall quality of life of participants was found to be moderate. Emotional and social functioning were among the most affected areas, while fatigue, insomnia, breathlessness, and financial difficulties emerged as some of the most significant challenges in everyday life.

The Close Relationship Between Mental Health and Quality of Life

One of the study’s key findings was the strong relationship between psychological distress and poorer quality of life.

Higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with:

poorer daily and functional performance;
lower perceived overall health;
greater symptom severity;
increased difficulty in emotional and social functioning.

The results demonstrate that psychological well-being cannot be separated from the physical, social, and practical experience of cancer.

Social Support as a Protective Factor

At the same time, the study underlines the important protective role of social support.

Support from family members, friends, and other significant people was associated with better overall health and functioning, lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and reduced symptom burden.

The findings show that social connection is not simply an additional element of care. It is a meaningful component of recovery, adaptation, and quality of life throughout the cancer journey.

Cancer Survivorship Does Not End When Treatment Is Completed

The findings reinforce the need to move beyond a model of oncology care focused exclusively on treating the disease.

Cancer survivorship requires a comprehensive, person-centred approach that addresses the physical, psychological, social, functional, and financial dimensions of life with and after cancer.

Routine psychological assessment, early identification of emotional distress, timely referral to psycho-oncology services, rehabilitation, social support, and the meaningful involvement of families and caregivers should become integral parts of standard oncology care.

The study also points to the potential value of telehealth and digital support services in improving access to supportive care. At the same time, it highlights inequalities related to digital literacy, healthcare accessibility, and the ability of all patients to benefit equally from digital services.

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that effective cancer care must be resilient, accessible, multidisciplinary, and capable of maintaining continuity even during periods of crisis.

A Calm Summer Begins with Proper Preparation Proactive Care Planning, Mental Decompression and Digital Support

Proactive Care Planning, Mental Decompression and Digital Support

Summer is a valuable opportunity for rest, renewal and quality time with the people we love. For people living with or after a cancer diagnosis, as well as for their caregivers, the possibility of enjoying a few days away from everyday life can contribute meaningfully to physical and mental well-being.

When a person’s health condition allows it, and with the agreement of the treating physician, even a short break can have a beneficial effect, enhancing quality of life and supporting the sense of returning to everyday life (Lim et al., 2022).

The quality of life of people living with or after a cancer diagnosis does not depend solely on medical treatment. Mental well-being, social support, optimism and resilience are equally important factors that facilitate adaptation to the disease and contribute to patients’ overall well-being (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022). At the same time, current guidelines underline the importance of integrated and personalised care, as well as continuous support for people living with or after cancer at every stage of their journey (Hart et al., 2024).

However, the peace of mind associated with holidays does not begin on the day of departure. It begins much earlier, through proper preparation. Practical pending issues, administrative procedures or concerns about unexpected events during the holidays can increase stress and reduce the feeling of safety. By contrast, proactive care planning allows patients to organise what is needed in advance, so that they can devote their time to rest rather than obligations.

Timely renewal of medical certificates, ensuring an adequate supply of medication for the entire period of absence, communicating with the treating physician when necessary, and keeping essential medical documents in an easily accessible format are simple but important steps of preparation. In this way, continuity of care is safeguarded, while the uncertainty that often accompanies travel is reduced.

Reliable information and timely support are key pillars of modern oncology care. When people know where they can turn and have easy access to trustworthy information, they feel safer, their autonomy is strengthened and the management of daily life becomes easier (Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022; Hart et al., 2024).

In today’s world, digital tools can complement support services by facilitating access to reliable information wherever the patient may be. In this direction, Kapa3 is moving forward with the development of Myrto, the digital social navigator, designed to provide direct access to information on social rights, available services and useful guidance. In this way, it facilitates access to the organisation’s services and reliable information, contributing to better preparation before and during holidays.

For all of us at Kapa3, technology does not replace human care; it complements it. It is another means of facilitating access to trustworthy information and available services, while the Social Service and Psychological Support Service of Kapa3 remain the core pillar of holistic support for people living with cancer and their families.

Let us remember that care does not stop when holidays begin. It continues through small but meaningful acts of preparation, proper information and timely planning. Because, many times, the greatest luxury of a holiday is not the destination itself, but the feeling that we can enjoy our moments with calmness, safety and trust.

The Social Service and Psychological Support Service of Kapa3 wish everyone a safe, peaceful and refreshing summer, with health, strength and beautiful moments.

Before Leaving for Your Holidays…

✔️ Make sure you have an adequate supply of your medication for the entire period of your absence.

✔️ Check whether there are any medical certificates, prescriptions or other administrative pending issues that need to be settled in time.

✔️ Discuss with your treating physician any special instructions related to travel or movement.

✔️ Keep with you the necessary medical documents and important contact details.

✔️ Find out about available support services and make use of the Kapa3 App, so that you have easy access to useful information wherever you are.

References

Hart, N. H., Nekhlyudov, L., Smith, T. J., Yee, J., Fitch, M. I., Crawford, G. B., et al. (2024). Survivorship Care for People Affected by Advanced or Metastatic Cancer: MASCC-ASCO Standards and Practice Recommendations. JCO Oncology Practice, 20(9), 1160–1172. https://doi.org/10.1200/OP.23.00716

Lim, J. H. C., Keenan, C., & Flaherty, G. T. (2022). All My Life to Live: Travel Health Benefits and Risks for Cancer Survivors. Journal of Travel Medicine, 29(5), taac069. https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taac069

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®): Survivorship. Version 2.2024. Plymouth Meeting, PA: National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Ruiz-Rodríguez, I., Hombrados-Mendieta, I., Melguizo-Garín, A., & Martos-Méndez, M. J. (2022). The Importance of Social Support, Optimism and Resilience on the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 833176. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833176

World Health Organization. (2022). World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All. Geneva: World Health Organization.

Official Access Links

Hart et al., 2024 — MASCC-ASCO Standards:
https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/OP.23.00716

Lim et al., 2022:
https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taac069

NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Survivorship:
https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/survivorship.pdf

Ruiz-Rodríguez et al., 2022:
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.833176

WHO World Mental Health Report:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338

Marilia Barka
Psychology Student
Kapa3 Volunteer

www.linkedin.com/in/maria-garyfalia-marilia-barka-03825a409

DISABILITY CARD OR TRANSPORTATION PASS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 2026. WHAT BENEFICIARIES NEED TO KNOW.

The answer is that the Disability Card has not completely replaced the Transportation Pass. Both of these documents remain valid simultaneously, and the need for one or the
other depends on the mode of transportation used by each eligible person. To make this clearer, here’s what applies in each case.

Athens and Thessaloniki: The Disability Card can be used for urban travel

For travel on OASA transit in Athens and OSETH transit in Thessaloniki, the plastic Disability Card can be used by eligible beneficiaries.

Cardholders can travel by validating their card at the designated machines, without needing to obtain a
separate Travel Pass specifically for these transit services.

The following are required:

the Disability Card must be valid,
must bear the designated disability level II or III designation,
or the beneficiary must receive disability financial assistance from OPEKA,
and income criteria must be met where required.

URBAN KTEL BUSES IN THE PROVINCE: THE TRAVEL PASS REMAINS NECESSARY

This is the point that has caused the most confusion. Possession of a Disability Card does not mean that
the Travel Pass is no longer required for all trips.

For urban KTEL buses operated by the Regional Units, as well as by the municipalities of Kos and
Rhodes, a Mobility Card for People with Disabilities is required, even if the beneficiary holds a Disability Card.

Therefore, those who use urban KTEL buses in their area should apply:
– at the Citizen Service Centers (KEP),
– or at the relevant offices of the Regional Unit.

FOR 2026, THE PROCESS BEGINS ON JULY 1, 2026, AND ENDS ON NOVEMBER 30, 2026.
Intercity Buses (KTEL): 50% Discount on Fares

For travel on intercity buses (KTEL)—that is, for trips from one city to another—a 50% discount is available.
The discount can be obtained with:
– A valid Disability Card,
– or a Transportation Pass for People with Disabilities.

Thus, for intercity routes, the beneficiary has more options.

Are there income criteria for free transportation?

One point that often causes confusion concerns income. There are no income criteria for issuing the Disability Card.

The income limits apply to eligibility for free transportation.

For 2026, the limits are as follows:
– individual taxable income up to 23,000 euros,
– declared family income up to 29,000 euros.

The family income limit increases by 5,600 euros for each additional person with a disability of 67% or higher who lives with and is financially dependent on the taxpayer.

It is important to note that: OPEKA disability benefits are not included in the above income limits. A relevant certificate from OPEKA may be required to exclude them.

Who is exempt from the income criteria?

People who are totally blind are exempt from the income criteria.

What applies to the companion?

In many cases, a companion is also entitled to travel.
If the Disability Card is marked with an “S” (Companion):

in Athens and Thessaloniki, the companion travels with the cardholder upon a single validation of the card. For KTEL buses, however, the prescribed procedure and the corresponding Companion Travel Pass are required where necessary.

So, what do beneficiaries need to keep?

The Disability Card is a significant benefit, but it does not mean that the Travel Pass is being
eliminated.
In simple terms:
Disability Card:
✔ Athens and Thessaloniki
✔ Intercity KTEL buses for a 50% discount
Travel Pass:
✔ Provincial KTEL buses
✔ Situations where a companion’s entitlement is required
✔ Those who do not have a Disability Card

At Kapa3, we believe that accurate information can save time, trips, and unnecessary hassle,
especially for people who already face increased challenges due to a disability or a serious illness.

View the circular here: TRANSPORTATION 2026
DISABILITY CIRCULAR

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Kapa3 team:

📍Athens: 13 Kosti Palama, 3rd floor, (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
📍13 Kosti Palama, 11141 Athens
☎️210 5221424
📱6906265170
www.kapa3.gr, info@kapa3.gr

New Disability Benefits Registry: What’s Changing and How It Will Make Life Easier for Citizens and People with Disabilities.

As part of the digital transformation of social care, the joint ministerial decision on the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the “Disability Benefits Registry.”

This new digital tool on the National Disability Portal promises to put an end to the bureaucracy and the fragmentation of information that both people with disabilities and their families face on a daily basis.

A government-wide initiative.
The scope and significance of this initiative are underscored by the fact that the decision was signed by the overwhelming majority of government members—ranging from the Ministries of Finance, Health, and Labor, all the way to the Ministries of Education, Infrastructure & Transportation, Environment, and Digital Governance. This broad consensus highlights that benefits for people with disabilities are not limited to financial allowances alone, but extend to tax exemptions, transportation assistance, educational
facilities, social services, and special provisions across the entire public sector.

What is the Disability Benefits Registry?

The Registry is a specialized subsystem of the National Disability Portal. Its purpose is to collect, record, and transparently document all accommodations, allowances, benefits, and services to which people with disabilities or their related individuals are entitled.

What does the documentation of each benefit include?

For each available benefit or accommodation, the Registry will document the following in a standardized and clear manner:
• Title & Description: the distinctive title and brief description of the benefit.
• Legal Framework & Competent Authorities: the applicable provisions and the competent agencies
responsible for awarding or granting the benefit.
• Eligibility Requirements: the disability-related and other requirements for receiving the benefit.
• Financial Details & Frequency: the frequency and monetary value (exact amount or range), provided
that it is quantified in monetary terms.
• Application Process: detailed instructions for submitting the application and a direct link to the National Registry of Administrative Procedures “MITOS.”

Who is the Operating Agency, and what are the agencies’ obligations?

The Organization for Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity (OPEKA) is designated as the operating agency for the Registry. It is responsible for ensuring continuous operation, maintaining the system, verifying the accuracy of entries, and issuing access credentials.
With regard to data entry personnel and data updates, each competent Ministry, Agency, and Municipality shall designate authorized “Data Entry Personnel”; such designations must be made within 10 days of publication.

They are required to complete the initial registration of benefits within one (1) month of the
decision’s publication, to immediately update the system in the event of changes or new benefits, and to annually verify the accuracy of the data.

Public Access and Information.

One of the most significant benefits of the new regulatory framework is that all information in the registry is public and accessible to everyone via the Internet. This provides immediate, accurate, and comprehensive information to those interested, without requiring them to travel or contact multiple public agencies—a process that often causes considerable inconvenience to thousands of people.

The creation of the Disability Benefits Registry is a positive step toward ensuring equal access to information and reducing bureaucratic burdens.

Head and Neck Cancer: The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Prevention.

July 27 has been designated as World Head and Neck Cancer Day (WHNCD). The initiative was launched on July 27, 2014, during the 5th World Congress of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncology Societies (IFHNOS) in New York, with the goal of raising awareness, education, and the
promotion of prevention. The declaration is supported by dozens of scientific communities worldwide, governments, and, most notably, the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control).

What is Head and Neck Cancer?
This type of cancer includes tumors located in the oral cavity, the lips, the pharynx, the larynx, the
salivary glands, the thyroid gland, the skin of the region, and the cervix.

In terms of prevalence, it is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Seventy-five percent of cases are located in the mouth and pharynx, while the most common histological type is squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). For example, more specifically in Greece in 2012, 1,350 new cases were recorded, a figure that accounted for 3.3% of all new cancer diagnoses in the country.

Based on these percentages, 30% of cases occur in the tongue, 20% on the lip, 15% on the floor of the
mouth and in the larynx, and 10% in the pharynx.

Risk Factors

Understanding the factors that increase the risk is the first step towards prevention. Everyday habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, place a significant strain on the body. In particular, 70 per cent of those affected are long-term smokers, with current smokers facing a 300 per cent higher risk. When
smoking is combined with alcohol, the two have a negative synergistic effect, multiplying the likelihood of developing the disease. At the same time, in recent years there has been an increase in HPV-positive cancers, mainly of the pharynx, which often occur in younger people with no history of smoking or
alcohol consumption. Finally, it is worth noting that up to 25 per cent of cases are observed in patients who have never smoked and have no other known risk factors.

Suspicious lesions and symptoms

Delay in diagnosis is the most unfavourable prognostic factor. Conversely, 85–90 per cent of cases can be
cured if diagnosed at an early stage.

Suspected precancerous lesions

Particular care is required when identifying suspected precancerous lesions in the oral cavity. These
include leukoplakia, a white patch of unknown aetiology that does not flake off, in which, in 20–25 per
cent of cases, cancer or severe dysplasia is present. Even more dangerous is erythroplakia, where the rate
of co-occurrence with cancer or severe dysplasia reaches 90 per cent. At the same time, suspicious lesions
include punctate leukoplakia, as well as any chronic ulcer – that is, a sore that is not caused by any
obvious injury and remains unhealed for more than two weeks.

Symptoms requiring medical assessment

There are also certain suspicious symptoms that necessitate immediate assessment by a doctor. These include any unexplained swelling, lump or puffiness in the mouth or throat area, as well as persistent pain when chewing, swallowing or speaking, or pain that radiates to the ear. Furthermore, symptoms such as hoarseness, a change in the tone of the voice, and unexplained bleeding inside the mouth are signs that
should not be ignored.

Prevention and Screening
Screening is particularly important for people over the age of 45, smokers, people who drink alcohol, or
those with a history of HPV infection. Screening involves four simple steps:
1. Neck: Palpation of the lymph nodes and the thyroid gland.
2. Lips: External examination.
3. Mouth: Examination of the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, gums and soft palate.
4. Pharynx: Examination of the tonsils, soft palate and base of the tongue.

The importance of early intervention

Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate remains at around 60 per cent. Furthermore, treatments for advanced-stage disease can affect patients’ quality of life, causing functional (difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing and breathing), aesthetic or psychological problems.

The Right to Be Forgotten: A New Era of Dignity for Cancer Survivors

Life after cancer should not be accompanied by lifelong financial exclusion

For many decades, completing cancer treatment did not always mean the end of obstacles for those who had been diagnosed with the disease. Years after their treatment, many survivors continued to face higher insurance premiums, denied insurance applications, and difficulties accessing financial services.A history of cancer could act as a permanent “stigma,” even many years after treatment had ended.

Thus, medical progress and a return to daily life were not always accompanied by corresponding social and economic rehabilitation.

With Law No. 5317/2026, published on July 10, 2026, Greece is moving forward with the legislative enshrinement of the so-called “Right to Be Forgotten” for cancer survivors, in the context of insurance contracts linked to consumer credit agreements. This specific provision is found in Article 16, paragraph 4, of the law.

What the new provision stipulates

The law prohibits the use of personal data related to a consumer’s cancer diagnosis when such data is to be used for an insurance contract linked to a credit agreement and five years have passed since the completion of treatment.

Simply put, once the five-year period has elapsed, a prior history of a cancer diagnosis cannot be used in this specific context as a factor in assessing the insurance contract accompanying the credit agreement. This represents a significant shift: individuals are no longer assessed indefinitely through the lens of a past
illness, but are given the opportunity to move forward with their lives without their previous diagnosis serving as a permanent obstacle.

The four key points of the new entitlement

The Right to be Forgotten does not mean that the diagnosis is deleted from the medical record. It means that, after the prescribed five-year period, data related to the cancer diagnosis may not be used for that specific insurance purpose.

Fourth, special oversight is provided for.

The Personal Data Protection Authority is responsible for enforcing paragraph 4 of Article 16 and possesses the supervisory and auditing powers provided for by the General Data Protection Regulation.

What the New Regulation Does Not Cover

Accurate information is particularly important so that citizens are aware of both their rights and the actual
limits of the protection provided.

The new legislative provision:

does not apply to all forms of private insurance,
does not automatically guarantee the approval of a loan or an insurance application,
does not cover credit agreements secured by a mortgage on real property,
does not cover credit intended for the purchase or retention of rights in real estate,

does not cover professional or business loans, as the law applies to consumers acting outside the
scope of their professional or business activities.

Furthermore, consumer credit agreements already in effect as of November 20, 2026, will, as a general rule, continue to be governed by the previous legal framework until their expiration.
Therefore, the new regulation represents a very important step, but it does not yet provide comprehensive coverage of all the financial and insurance needs of survivors.

From Voluntary Commitment to Legal Enshrinement

The Right to Be Forgotten did not first appear in Greece in 2026. As of March 26, 2024, the Code of Ethics of the Hellenic Association of Insurance Companies has been in effect, to which life insurance companies had adhered.

The Code applied to life insurance policies linked to mortgage, business, or consumer loans, with a maximum total insured amount of 300,000 euros. It provided for a ten-year period following the completion of treatment for those diagnosed as adults and a five-year period for those diagnosed before
turning 18.

The new legislation is particularly significant because protection is no longer based exclusively on the insurance industry’s voluntary commitment. For contracts falling within its scope, the failure to use the oncological diagnosis after the five-year period becomes a legal obligation.

At the same time, there is a need to clarify the relationship between the new law and the existing Code, particularly with regard to mortgage and business loans that are not subject to the new legislative provision.

Additional Safeguards for Consumers

Article 16 includes other important safeguards. When insurance is required for the granting of credit, the creditor must accept equivalent insurance coverage from an insurance company of the consumer’s choice. Choosing a different company must not result in less favorable credit terms.

At the same time, the consumer is given a period of at least three business days to compare insurance quotes, unless the consumer requests in writing that the contract be concluded earlier.

The European Dimension

The Greek regulation transposes Directive (EU) 2023/2225 on consumer credit agreements. The European
Directive requires Member States to establish a time limit beyond which data related to oncological
diagnoses may not be used for insurance policies linked to credit agreements. The European text stipulated that this period must not exceed fifteen years; Greece opted for the significantly shorter period of five years.

This choice has particular social significance. It recognizes that advances in oncology, increased survival rates, and people’s return to family, social, and professional life must be accompanied by corresponding
developments in the law.

When Does It Take Ef ect?

Although Law No. 5317/2026 has already been published, the provisions of Part A, which include the
Right to Be Forgotten, will take effect on November 20, 2026.
Until then, substantial preparation is required on the part of banks, insurance companies, and the relevant
authorities. Clear procedures, understandable information for citizens, appropriate staff training, and an
easily accessible mechanism for submitting reports or complaints are needed.

A Significant Achievement—Not the End of the Journey

The Right to Be Forgotten represents a significant institutional victory for dignity and equality. Cancer
should not be a lifelong social and economic stigma. A person’s medical history should not negate their
right to plan for the future, participate equally in society, and make a fresh start.
At the same time, the new regulation must be viewed as a starting point, not the culmination of our
efforts. The next step must be to extend meaningful protection to more insurance and financial products,
including housing needs, as well as to address the discrimination that continues to occur in the workplace
and other aspects of social life.
Scientific progress has transformed cancer from a terminal diagnosis into an experience of life and
survival for millions of people. Society and the law must follow suit.

Because the Right to Be Forgotten is not a privilege. It is every person’s right not to remain forever
trapped by a past diagnosis—and to move forward into the future without discrimination, without
stigma, and with dignity.

Find more : http://elib.aade.gr/elib/view?

The Active Role of Patient Organizations in Shaping Public Policy: How Our Health Advocacy Ef orts Are Put into Action

At the Cancer Patient Guidance Center, we believe that the voices of patients, their families, and the organizations that represent them must be heard loud and clear where decisions are made.

Improving the quality of life for cancer patients, ensuring access to new treatments, and meeting the needs of caregivers are not just requests but rights that are asserted through organized advocacy. To make this a reality, the right tools are needed.

The new “Guide to Mapping Public Consultation Tools”

As part of the “ENERGO – Toward an Open State” project, HIGGS has created a practical guide that maps the available mechanisms for participation at the local, national, and European levels.

This guide serves as a roadmap for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), providing a detailed overview of:
• How institutional consultation tools function
• The opportunities for organizations to actively participate in policy-making
• The requirements for accessing these mechanisms
• The challenges and limitations, so that our interventions are well-informed and effective

Why might this be of interest to the beneficiaries of our Center?

Participation in shaping public policy is not an abstract concept. In cancer care, it translates into very specific changes:
1. Equal access to care: advocating for better infrastructure, shorter wait times, and free access to innovative medications.
2. Support for caregivers: establishing leave policies, benefits, and support systems for the people who stand by their side
3. Rights in the workplace: protecting cancer patients from discrimination in the workplace during and after treatment.

Summary & Structure of the Public Consultation Tools Guide

The “Public Consultation Tools Guide” was developed as part of the project “ENERGO – Toward an Open State” (implemented by HIGGS and co-funded by the European Union, the Bodossaki Foundation, and the NGO Support Centre). It is a practical reference tool designed to empower civil society organizations (CSOs) by strengthening their capacity for meaningful, evidence-based participation in public policy-making and strategic advocacy.

The guide is organized into the following sections:

1. Introduction & Institutional Landscape: This section presents the framework for the guide’s development, which was based on research and experiential tools involving dozens of civil society organizations. It analyzes the challenges of the institutional landscape, noting that the main obstacle for organizations is not the absence of tools, but rather the fragmentation, lack of visibility, and complexity of existing mechanisms,

2. National Tools for Public Consultation & Participation: maps and presents in detail the tools available in Greece, such as OpenGov, the KEDE & LocalWatch consultation platform, Vouliwatch, the YPEN Participation Platform, the National Register of Procedures (“Mitos”), Open Council & Crowd Participation, as well as Diafania & POTHEN.

3. European Public Consultation & Participation Tools: presents mechanisms for engagement at the European Union level, such as Have Your Say, the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), Consul Democracy, Loomio & Decidim, and others.

4. Tool Selection Guide & Conclusions: Provides consistent evaluation criteria (purpose, implementing body, prerequisites, limitations) so that each organization can select the most appropriate tool based on the objective of its engagement.

About the “ENERGO” Project & the PLATO Program

The “ENERGO: Toward an Open State – Participation, Advocacy, and Empowerment of Civil
Society Organizations” project is being implemented as part of the PLATO program, with HIGGS serving as the implementing partner. The PLATO program (“Protecting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law through an open civic space”) aims to strengthen the fundamental rights and values of the EU in both Greece and Cyprus. It is co-funded by the European Union through the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) program, the Bodossaki Foundation, and the NGO Support Center. The Bodossaki
Foundation serves as the coordinator in partnership with the NGO Support Center.

View and download the guiderZT9sW-Οδηγός Εργαλείων Δημόσιας Διαβούλευσης.

World Self-Care Day (July 24): The Importance of Self-Care on the Journey with Cancer.

July 24 has been designated as World Self-Care Day. This symbolic date (7/24) was chosen to remind us all of something very basic: that taking care of ourselves is a process that deserves to continue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

At the Cancer Patient Support Center, this day takes on a deeper and more meaningful significance. Self-care is not merely a luxury or a passing trend, but a valuable tool for physical, mental, and emotional empowerment—both for patients undergoing treatment and for their caregivers.

What does “self-care” mean?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is defined as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain well-being, and manage illness with or even without the support of a health professional.

This is an active commitment to ourselves, which includes:

1. Healthy daily habits: proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and moderate physical activity (always in consultation with your treating physician)

2. Prevention and responsibility: consistent medication adherence, regular preventive checkups, and following medical instructions.

3. Mental and emotional balance: recognizing personal boundaries, managing stress, accepting our emotions, and seeking help wherever and whenever we need it.

4. Health and health literacy: responsibly staying informed about our health status from reliable sources.

Self-Care in the Cancer Experience

For someone who has experienced cancer, self-care takes on a very personal character. It does not mean that “one must do everything on one’s own.” On the contrary, it is essential to:

• Listen to their body, without feeling guilty about the need for rest

• Take care of their emotional well-being. Allow themselves to feel every emotion—fear, fatigue, but also hope. Psychological support is considered one of the most important acts of self-care.

• Build a support network. It is absolutely essential to allow loved ones or specialized professionals to support them.

Caring for Caregivers

World Self-Care Day is equally dedicated to those who care for patients—family members, partners, and friends. People who stand by patients often tend to neglect their own needs, thereby driving themselves to physical and mental exhaustion. This day serves as a reminder that caring for caregivers is not selfish but an urgent necessity.

For caregivers to practice self-care in practice, they must first set boundaries, as they do not need to bear the entire burden alone. At the same time, it is important for them to acknowledge their emotions without judgment, accepting that fatigue, anger, and frustration are normal reactions. It is equally essential to set aside personal time. Fifteen to thirty minutes a day for a walk or to read a book can be beneficial. Finally, seeking psychological support is not a sign of weakness but an act of self-care.

The Cancer Patient Guidance Center is here for you

At K3, we believe that no one should have to walk this path alone. Self-care is strengthened when there is guidance, reliable information, and human support.

On this special day, let’s all take a step back from the fast pace of life and make our health and well-being a priority.

24 hours a day, 7 days a week: let’s take care of ourselves!

“Myrto” under Scientific Evaluation: Transparency, Evidence and Human Oversight in Social Navigation for Oncology Patients

The first closed scientific testing workshop of the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator has been completed

Athens, 6 July 2026

The first closed scientific testing and evaluation workshop of “Myrto”, the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator developed by the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, was successfully completed.

The workshop was organised by the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, with the support of René Descartes – Cnam College and the participation of SimasiaAI. It functioned as a dynamic scientific co-design workshop, bringing together specialised professionals from the fields of healthcare, social care, information technology and personal data protection.

The process was closed and strictly experimental in nature and did not constitute a public presentation of a completed product. Its purpose was to evaluate the behaviour of the application through hypothetical and fully anonymised scenarios, to record correct responses and areas requiring improvement, and to use expert feedback for the next phase of development.

The project “Myrto – Health and Social Rights Navigator” is being developed as a knowledge-based digital social navigation system, guided by the principles of explainable, transparent and human-centred Artificial Intelligence.

Its aim is to transform complex legal, administrative and social information into clear, evidence-based and practically useful guidance for oncology patients, caregivers and citizens.

“Myrto” does not replace professional social, legal, medical or clinical judgement. It operates as a supportive information and navigation tool, with clearly defined functional boundaries, human oversight and the possibility of referral to the competent services and professionals of Kapa3.

The programme is implemented with the support of the TIMA Charitable Foundation.

From Information to Understandable Knowledge

During the workshop, the need that led to the creation of “Myrto” was presented, along with the real barriers faced by patients and caregivers when seeking information on social rights, benefits and administrative procedures.

Particular emphasis was placed on addressing digital and informational exclusion. “Myrto” is designed to transform fragmented and often difficult-to-understand information into simple, structured and comprehensible guidance.

A Thematically Specialised and Curated Knowledge Base

The project’s technical partner, SimasiaAI, presented the operation of the application and the architecture used for information retrieval and synthesis.

“Myrto” uses a hybrid search mechanism that combines text retrieval and semantic search techniques, with the aim of identifying the information most relevant to the user’s question. The application operates on a thematically specialised and curated knowledge base.

A central element of its design is the traceability of information, namely the ability to link an answer to the source on which it is based. The use of validated sources reduces the risk of unsupported responses and enables the identification, review and correction of issues through a process of continuous maintenance, regular updating and adaptation to evolving guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Explainability and Human-Understandable Answers

The evaluation did not focus only on whether “Myrto” retrieves the correct information, but also on whether it can present that information in a clear, understandable and conceptually coherent way.

This approach strengthens trust, responsible use of the tool and the meaningful empowerment of citizens through a response-generation system that supports a transparent, evidence-based and human-supervised knowledge ecosystem, in which every piece of information is understandable, verifiable and connected to its source.

Data Protection and Compliance by Design

Personal data protection and regulatory compliance are embedded from the design stage of the application, in accordance with the principles of data protection by default and by design.

During the workshop, only hypothetical or fully anonymised cases were used. Particular emphasis was placed on the principles of data minimisation, anonymisation and secure processing. These principles are directly linked to contemporary requirements for the responsible development of Artificial Intelligence systems, the protection of special categories of data and compliance with the European regulatory framework.

Live Testing of Hypothetical Scenarios

The professionals who participated in the workshop tested the application individually and in small groups, using only hypothetical and fully anonymised cases. The testing was based on an approach that evaluated the behaviour of the system, examining not only whether the final answer was correct, but also whether the overall operation of the application was safe, understandable and appropriate for the specific request.

Disability Certification through KEPA

In one of the key scenarios, “Myrto” was asked to guide a hypothetical patient who did not know how to start the disability certification procedure through KEPA. The system retrieved the main steps of the process, organised the information in an understandable format and provided relevant references to the sources.

Participants evaluated:

the accuracy of the information,
the completeness of the steps,
the clarity of the language,
and the practical usefulness of the answer.

Travel from the Region for Treatment

In a second scenario, the case of an oncology patient who needed to travel from the region to another location for treatment was examined. The application identified relevant categories of socioeconomic support and benefits and presented possible next steps to the user.

The test allowed participants to assess:

the correct identification of the request,
the connection between different rights and benefits,
the completeness of the sources,
and the possibility of referral to the appropriate services.

At the same time, cases were also examined in which:

the question was unclear or incomplete,
the user did not know which right or benefit to look for,
clarifying questions were required,
medical or personalised legal advice was requested,
or immediate human intervention was necessary.

A Continuous Cycle of Scientific Feedback

The meeting concluded with a discussion of the testing results, a review of the technical logs and the presentation of key usage statistics for the application.

The participants’ observations are not treated as isolated comments, but as structured scientific feedback for improvement. In this way, a closed cycle of learning and feedback is created, in which technology, scientific knowledge and the experience of professionals interact continuously.

The continuous involvement of experts and the integration of structured feedback are considered critical for strengthening transparency, reliability and trust in Artificial Intelligence systems used in sensitive fields.

The Interdisciplinary Project Team

The development, scientific documentation and regulatory compliance of “Myrto” are supported by an interdisciplinary team from the fields of health services administration, information technology, personal data protection, language technology and software development. The workshop was attended by:

Evangeli Bista, Co-founder of Kapa3 and Head of Strategic Partnerships; Aristea Archontidou, Industrial Informatics Engineer with postgraduate specialisation in Health Policy and Health Services Planning; Anastasia Vlachopoulou, lawyer and member of the Thessaloniki Bar Association, specialised in personal data protection; Dimitris Papadakis, Co-founder and Sales Manager at SimasiaAI and Project Manager of the “Myrto” project; and Giannis Barous, Co-founder and CTO of SimasiaAI, PhD candidate in Computer Science based in San Francisco, who has undertaken the technical component of the project: how the system identifies the right information, how it connects it with reliable sources and how it provides answers that are evidence-based, useful and safe.

About Kapa3

The Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3 is a social support, information and navigation organisation for oncology patients, survivors, caregivers and their families. Its aim is to contribute to equal access to oncology care, social protection and the rights associated with the cancer experience.

Every day, Kapa3 supports people who face not only the disease itself, but also a range of practical, administrative, social and psychosocial challenges. Through personalised social guidance, the organisation helps patients and caregivers learn about their rights, understand available benefits and services, navigate administrative procedures and connect with appropriate support structures.

The main pillars of Kapa3’s work include information on social and insurance rights, support in accessing health and social care services, guidance on benefits and procedures, empowerment of patients and caregivers, and connection with professionals, organisations and communities.

As part of its digital strategy, Kapa3 develops digital empowerment and social navigation tools, such as “Myrto”, the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator. “Myrto” is designed to transform complex legal, administrative and social information into clear and evidence-based guidance for oncology patients, caregivers and citizens, always with human oversight, transparency and respect for the limits of technology.

Kapa3’s philosophy is based on the principle that care is not limited to medical treatment. It includes access to information, social protection, psychosocial support, dignity, empowerment and the ability of every person to know and claim their rights.

Through collaborations with health and social care professionals, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations, public structures, volunteers and communities, Kapa3 seeks to build bridges between the patient, information, services and real access.

DISABILITY CARD OR TRANSPORTATION PASS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 2026. WHAT BENEFICIARIES NEED TO KNOW.

The new explanatory circular regarding transportation for people with disabilities (PWDs) for 2026 has raised several questions among beneficiaries and their families who are trying to understand what the current rules are. The most common question is: “I have the plastic Disability Card. Do I also need to get a PWD Transportation Pass?” The answer is that the Disability Card has not completely replaced the Transportation Pass. Both of these documents remain valid simultaneously, and the need for one or the other depends on the mode of transportation used by each eligible person. To make this clearer, here’s what applies in each case.

Athens and Thessaloniki: The Disability Card can be used for urban travel

For travel on OASA transit in Athens and OSETH transit in Thessaloniki, the plastic Disability Card can be used by eligible beneficiaries.

Cardholders can travel by validating their card at the designated machines, without needing to obtain a separate Travel Pass specifically for these transit services.

The following are required:

the Disability Card must be valid,
must bear the designated disability level II or III designation,
or the beneficiary must receive disability financial assistance from OPEKA,
and income criteria must be met where required.

URBAN KTEL BUSES IN THE PROVINCE: THE TRAVEL PASS REMAINS NECESSARY

This is the point that has caused the most confusion. Possession of a Disability Card does not mean that the Travel Pass is no longer required for all trips.

For urban KTEL buses operated by the Regional Units, as well as by the municipalities of Kos and Rhodes, a Mobility Card for People with Disabilities is required, even if the beneficiary holds a Disability Card.

Therefore, those who use urban KTEL buses in their area should apply:

at the Citizen Service Centers (KEP),
or at the relevant offices of the Regional Unit.

FOR 2026, THE PROCESS BEGINS ON JULY 1, 2026, AND ENDS ON NOVEMBER 30, 2026.

Intercity Buses (KTEL): 50% Discount on Fares

For travel on intercity buses (KTEL)—that is, for trips from one city to another—a 50% discount is available.

The discount can be obtained with:

A valid Disability Card,
or a Transportation Pass for People with Disabilities.

Thus, for intercity routes, the beneficiary has more options.

Are there income criteria for free transportation?

One point that often causes confusion concerns income. There are no income criteria for issuing the Disability Card.

The income limits apply to eligibility for free transportation.

For 2026, the limits are as follows:

individual taxable income up to 23,000 euros,
declared family income up to 29,000 euros.

The family income limit increases by 5,600 euros for each additional person with a disability of 67% or higher who lives with and is financially dependent on the taxpayer.

It is important to note that: OPEKA disability benefits are not included in the above income limits. A relevant certificate from OPEKA may be required to exclude them.

Who is exempt from the income criteria?

People who are totally blind are exempt from the income criteria.

What applies to the companion?

In many cases, a companion is also entitled to travel.

If the Disability Card is marked with an “S” (Companion):

in Athens and Thessaloniki, the companion travels with the cardholder upon a single validation of the card. For KTEL buses, however, the prescribed procedure and the corresponding Companion Travel Pass are required where necessary.

So, what do beneficiaries need to keep?

The Disability Card is a significant benefit, but it does not mean that the Travel Pass is being eliminated.

In simple terms:

Disability Card:

✔ Athens and Thessaloniki

✔ Intercity KTEL buses for a 50% discount

Travel Pass:

✔ Provincial KTEL buses

✔ Situations where a companion’s entitlement is required

✔ Those who do not have a Disability Card

At Kapa3, we believe that accurate information can save time, trips, and unnecessary hassle, especially for people who already face increased challenges due to a disability or a serious illness.

View the circular here: TRANSPORTATION 2026

DISABILITY CIRCULAR

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Kapa3 team:

📍Athens: 13 Kosti Palama, 3rd floor, (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

📍13 Kosti Palama, 11141 Athens

☎️210 5221424

📱6906265170

www.kapa3.gr

info@kapa3.gr