Cancer Patient Support Archives

Kapa3 and Karkinaki join forces to support children, adolescents, and families living with cancer

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the non-profit organization “Karkinaki”, aiming to strengthen information, psychosocial support, and awareness around childhood and adolescent cancer, as well as to support families experiencing the disease.

Karkinaki is a specialized organization working in the field of childhood and adolescent cancer, focusing on reliable information, empowering parents and caregivers, and fostering a supportive environment around children and teenagers affected by cancer. Through community-based actions and awareness initiatives, it seeks to reduce the sense of isolation that often accompanies diagnosis, while also enhancing understanding, social awareness, and access to available support resources for families.

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations will develop joint initiatives focused on information and awareness-raising, with an emphasis on actions addressing both families and healthcare and support professionals. The partnership will also include the co-organization of informational events, the exchange of good practices, and the exploration of participation in national and European programs that promote a holistic approach to patient care, with an emphasis on continuity of support across all stages of the disease experience.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to informing, guiding, and empowering people affected by cancer, providing practical support and access to reliable information and services. At the same time, it develops initiatives that strengthen patients’ active participation in managing their health and promotes a more accessible and human-centered model of care.

In this context, Kapa3 is also involved in European collaborations focusing on the psychosocial dimension of cancer across different stages of life, such as the MELODIC project, which addresses the mental health of young adults with lived experience of cancer. This work further enhances the organization’s ability to recognize needs that emerge throughout the cancer journey, from childhood to adulthood.

This collaboration with Karkinaki reflects the shared vision of both organizations to strengthen a support network that goes beyond medical treatment, extending into families’ daily lives, information access, and psychosocial empowerment, with the aim of providing a more stable and meaningful presence for those who need it most.

Our Press Release here: KARKINAKI PRESS RELEASE

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 announces collaboration with SimasiaAI for the development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant)

The Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center announces its collaboration with SimasiaAI, for the co-development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” (Myrto AI Assistant), an artificial intelligence (AI chatbot) designed to enhance digital cancer support for patients with cancer and their families through immediate, reliable, and personalized information.

This initiative is part of Kapa3’s strategic focus on leveraging innovative digital tools to improve access to information, strengthen guidance, and reduce the digital gap often faced by vulnerable groups in the healthcare sector.

The Health Navigator “Myrto” is not just an information tool, but a new form of social artificial intelligence in cancer care support in Greece. It is designed to transform digital information into a more human, accessible, and meaningful experience, allowing users to interact, receive guidance, and access support tailored to their needs.

Through its dual role as a “Patient Empowerment e-Navigator”, the system will function both as a Patient Advocate—providing guidance on patient rights, benefits, and access to healthcare and social services—and as a Health Navigator, offering reliable information to support better understanding and self-management of health-related issues.

At the same time, the Health Navigator “Myrto” aims to enhance health literacy, support the psychosocial dimension of the disease, and highlight available community resources, contributing to the reduction of inequalities in access to information.

Kapa3, with its long-standing experience in guiding and supporting cancer patients, continues to invest in initiatives that promote equal access to information and digital empowerment, utilizing technology with a strong social and human-centered approach.

The collaboration between Kapa3 and SimasiaAI leads to the development and integration of the Health Navigator “Myrto” into Kapa3’s platform, highlighting the importance of cooperation between social organizations and technology providers in creating innovative digital support tools for cancer patients. Through this initiative, the goal is to meaningfully empower patients, support healthcare professionals, and advance more human-centered digital services.

The development of the Health Navigator “Myrto” marks an important step toward a new model of digital care, where artificial intelligence complements human support, enhancing the quality of life of patients and their families.

The Founding Sponsor of the “Myrto”Health Navigator is the TIMA Foundation.

Our Press Release text here: PRESS RELEASE SIMASIA AI

Text: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Expansion of High-Cost Medicines Available Through EOPYY Private Pharmacies – What Changes for Patients

The Hellenic National Organization for the Provision of Health Services (EOPYY) is expanding the list of new high-cost medicines available through private EOPYY pharmacies, facilitating patient access to high-cost treatments. The recent decision was published in the Government Gazette.

This development represents another step toward simplifying patient access to high-cost therapies, reducing the need for physical visits to EOPYY pharmacies.

The new regulation includes the addition of further medicines, broadening the scope of the measure. Among these are treatments for multiple sclerosis, such as the active substance ocrelizumab, as well as anticancer agents like imatinib and capecitabine, widely used in oncology. This expansion is expected to significantly benefit more patients, who until now had to be served through specific distribution points, often facing longer waiting times. Patients will gain convenience and improved continuity of care, as access to treatments becomes faster and more reliable.

The option to collect medicines from private EOPYY pharmacies is expected to substantially improve patients’ daily lives, reducing hassle and enhancing accessibility, especially for those with chronic or serious conditions. This change is also part of the broader digital transformation of health services, aiming for a more flexible and patient-centered system. Healthcare providers will be able to monitor medicine distribution more efficiently, ensuring timely support and guidance for patients throughout their treatment.

According to the Government Gazette:

The start date of the medicine distribution process, with supply by EOPYY and final delivery at the private pharmacy specified in ministerial decision EΑLE/GΠ/oικ.51724/19-11-2025, as listed in the table below, is set as the date when EOPYY’s upgraded electronic platform (fyk.eopyy.gov.gr) becomes fully operational for the submission of patient requests under the new procedure defined in the above ministerial decision.

You can read the Government Gazette here (greek text)

Read our previous articles on the HCM procedure here and here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Social Work Day: The Critical Role of Social Workers in Health and Society

International Social Work Day, observed annually on March 27, is an important occasion to highlight the multifaceted work of social workers and their contribution to promoting social justice, equality, and human dignity.

Social workers are on the front lines supporting vulnerable groups, playing a crucial role in areas such as healthcare, mental health, social welfare, and the care of individuals with chronic conditions, including cancer. In oncology in particular, their contribution is invaluable, as they provide practical, emotional, and social support to patients and their families, significantly improving their quality of life.

Global Context

Globally, the importance of social work is widely recognized, with social services forming a fundamental pillar of health and welfare systems. In the European Union, social service professionals exceed 10 million, representing about 5% of the total workforce, underlining the critical role of the sector in maintaining social cohesion.

In Northern and Western European countries, social workers are systematically integrated into multidisciplinary care teams and are an essential part of primary healthcare and social support services. International guidelines emphasize that adequate staffing of social services is a key requirement for the effective functioning of health systems and meaningful citizen support.

Despite these standards, gaps and inequalities persist:

There is a global need to increase social care personnel, especially in regions with high social needs.
Inequalities in access remain a challenge even in advanced countries, highlighting the importance of planning and coordination.

Social Services in Greece

Greece’s social care framework is based on the National Social Care System (Law 2646/1998). Services are structured across three levels:

Primary: Prevention, support, and local services, mainly provided by municipalities (Community Centers, social offices).
Secondary: Care and rehabilitation facilities for more complex needs.
Tertiary: Specialized services for severe or rare cases, typically in hospitals or research centers.

However, despite the legal framework, services in Greece are fragmented and understaffed:

Social workers number around 7,000, with fewer than half employed in public social services.
Many work on fixed-term contracts or subsidized programs, creating instability in service provision.
In local government, the ratio can reach one social worker per 40,000 citizens, highlighting severe understaffing.

As Evangeli Bista noted in a recent interview, 92 municipalities in Greece have no social work staff at all. Strengthening social services is therefore not only about meeting patient needs but also about empowering communities and fostering environments of solidarity and support.

At the same time, local initiatives demonstrate the potential for reinforcing social services. For example, Kapa3’s recent collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora to establish a Counseling Office for Cancer Patients and their Families represents a significant step toward strengthening social care locally.

Staffing the office with a social worker and a psychologist, along with providing free guidance, psychosocial support, and connection to other services, illustrates in practice the critical role social workers play in supporting patients and improving their quality of life.

On the occasion of International Social Work Day, it is important to recognize the invaluable work of social workers, address existing gaps, and showcase positive examples, such as the Municipality of Meteora, supporting the collective effort for a system that leaves no one behind.

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.

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

Kapa3 at Athens Digital Health Week 2026 – The Role of Patient Digital Navigators in Healthcare Digital Transformation

As part of Athens Digital Health Week 2026, Kapa3, as a new member of the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC), participated in the closed members and partners meeting as well as the panel discussion titled “Synergies to Bridge the Needs of Healthcare Services in Digital Transformation,” presenting the role of patient digital navigators and exploring how digital technologies can strengthen a patient-centered healthcare system.

The discussion focused on a key question: how can available digital solutions effectively address the real needs of the healthcare and social care system?

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of interoperability, evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and comparability, as well as connecting research and governance, promoting equality, and considering the impact of artificial intelligence in the modern healthcare ecosystem.

Kapa3 was represented by Evangeli Bista, who highlighted the critical role of patient organizations in successfully integrating digital technologies into the care journey.

As she noted:

“Digital health is not only about developing technological solutions, but about their meaningful integration into the patient’s care journey. Civil society organizations (patients, caregivers, friends, professionals) can play a crucial role as adoption partners, contributing to design, implementation, and evaluation. Through collaboration within the Cluster, an ecosystem is strengthened where innovation translates into real accessibility and continuity of care with maximum social impact. For the Cancer Patients Guidance Center – Kapa3, developing its role as patient digital navigators can only happen through such synergies.”

The panel also included representatives from Affidea Greece, Gnomon Informatics SA, and REA Maternity & Gynecology Clinic, who contributed their expertise to a productive dialogue on aligning technology, clinical practice, and data governance.

During the closed meeting, the need to strengthen joint research initiatives, interoperability, and systematic collaboration among ecosystem members was emphasized, ensuring that innovation translates into measurable value for both patients and the healthcare system.

For Kapa3, developing its role in the digital health ecosystem as patient digital navigators is a strategic priority. Through such collaborations, patient organizations are empowered to actively contribute to a more transparent, equitable, and truly patient-centered healthcare system, where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than an end in itself.

Download our Press Release in pdf or word

Kapa3 Collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora to Establish a Cancer Patient Support Office

Kapa3 launches collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora to establish a support office for cancer patients and their families, strengthening local social services and providing practical assistance to patients and families affected by cancer.

The initiative for this establishment was taken by the Municipality of Meteora and approved by the Municipal Council, aiming to improve access to services and information for patients. The office will operate within the Kalampaka Community Center and will be staffed by a social worker and a psychologist, in collaboration with the “Help at Home” program.

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 will provide scientific guidance and prepare the tools and methodologies for the office’s operation, including collecting social histories, recording requests, and guiding patients and their families.

This office, as a support office for cancer patients, will offer free services such as:

Guidance on rights and benefits (KEPA, social tariffs, work schedule adjustments, allowances).
Patient file management to reduce bureaucratic burden.
Social and psychosocial support for patients and families.
Collaboration with local social and health services.

In addition, the support office will act as an information hub for the local community, providing interested individuals with information on prevention, awareness programs, and solidarity initiatives. In this way, it enhances not only the direct support for patients but also the wider community’s awareness and engagement with the needs of their fellow citizens.

In a statement, Mayor Lefteris Avramopoulos emphasizes:

“The establishment of the Patient Service Office for Neoplastic Diseases is a policy choice focused on people. The Municipality of Meteora takes responsibility to stand truly beside our fellow citizens, ensuring support, dignity, and effective access to their rights.”

The goal of the collaboration is to ensure timely and equitable access for cancer patients and their caregivers to reliable information and supportive services, reducing the stress and psychosocial burden often accompanying the disease.

Kapa3, with experience in patient guidance across Greece and an already functioning similar structure in the Municipality of Megara, continues to expand its network of collaborations with local authorities, strengthening the connection between social services and patients.

The collaboration with the Municipality of Meteora represents another step toward creating a stable framework for supporting cancer patients at a regional level, focusing on people and their real needs.

Download our press release in pdf or word

Launch of Free MELODIC Training Programme – Greece

We are pleased to announce the launch of the free eight-week online training programme implemented in Greece within the framework of the European project MELODIC, in which Kapa3 participates as one of 13 partner organisations from 6 European countries.

The programme is addressed to doctors, nurses, other health professionals, and social care professionals working in oncology.

MELODIC is an international collaboration aimed at strengthening mental health support for young adults with cancer and their families, promoting high-quality, holistic oncology care.

Through the programme, participants will have the opportunity to develop skills in:

Assessing mental health needs using validated and evidence-based tools
Supporting families and caregivers
Delivering high-quality psychosocial care
Interprofessional collaboration
Sustaining personal and professional wellbeing

The programme is divided into an asynchronous part (on the Moodle platform), which participants can complete at their own pace, and four contact lessons, constituting the synchronous part via Zoom. Upon completion, participants will receive 5 ECTS credits and a certificate of completion.

Sessions will take place from March to April 2026.

The contribution of health professionals is crucial for the accurate assessment of mental health needs of young adults with cancer and their families, as well as for delivering high-quality, person-centred care. The MELODIC programme strengthens their skills, promoting collaboration, responsibility, and sustainable professional practice in oncology.

For further information, please contact:
Ifiyenia Anastasiou
email: ifi.k3team@gmail.com | phone: 690.62.65.170

Continuing the Journey: Online Group Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition – Third Cycle with Kapa3 and the LB.H.Sc

Following the warm response to the second cycle of meetings (see the related article here ), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (LB.H.Sc), Department of Nursing University of Peloponnese are delighted to continue their collaboration with a third series of online group sessions for mental health and nutrition, dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind, designed for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

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

The mental health sessions help participants recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The nutrition sessions explore how mindful and balanced eating can support the body, improve energy and mood, and become a meaningful act of self-care. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.
Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.
Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.
Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.
Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.
Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

The meetings are held online, based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust. Consistent attendance helps build safety and confidence within the group.

To express your interest or join the first session of the third cycle (Saturday, February 28, 17:30–19:00): [Registration Link]

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3