Category: cancer patients

May, Melanoma Awareness Month: Prevention, awareness and early diagnosis

May is internationally recognized as Melanoma Awareness Month and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about prevention, sun protection, and the importance of early diagnosis.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, with melanoma being its most aggressive form. Although it accounts for a smaller proportion of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.

Globally, in 2020 there were approximately 325,000 new cases of melanoma and around 57,000 deaths, with numbers expected to rise in the coming years if prevention and awareness efforts are not strengthened.

In Europe, melanoma remains one of the most common cancers, with more than 100,000 new cases annually and over 15,000 deaths each year. The incidence is higher in Northern and Western European countries, while overall UV radiation exposure is considered the main contributing factor for the majority of cases.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds, is the most significant risk factor for melanoma. Many cases could be prevented through proper sun protection and behavioral changes.

In countries like Greece, where sunlight exposure is high throughout much of the year, awareness and prevention are especially important. Regular skin self-examinations and dermatological check-ups can play a key role in identifying suspicious changes in moles (naevi) at an early stage.

Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. When detected in its initial stages, melanoma is highly treatable, whereas delayed diagnosis is associated with more aggressive disease progression. This highlights the critical importance of awareness and timely medical evaluation.

Preventive measures remain essential: using sunscreen, avoiding peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding artificial tanning can all significantly reduce risk.

Melanoma Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that skin health is not only an aesthetic concern but a vital part of overall health and cancer prevention.

Read also Kapa3’s article on Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – GLOBOCAN
  • European Cancer Information System (ECIS)
  • European Environment Agency (EEA)

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month: Awareness, prevention and early diagnosis

May is internationally recognized as Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, an important initiative led by health organizations and patient advocacy groups worldwide to promote public awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis.

Bladder cancer is among the most common types of cancer globally, with hundreds of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. In Europe, it is considered one of the most common urological cancers, affecting men significantly more often than women.

In Greece, the data remains particularly concerning. The country records the highest incidence rate in Southern Europe, with approximately 39.7 new cases per 100,000 men annually. In terms of mortality, an estimated 7–8 men per 100,000 lose their lives to the disease every year, placing Greece among the countries with the highest mortality rates in the region. These figures highlight the importance of prevention, awareness, and timely medical intervention.

Behind every statistic are people — patients and families facing the emotional, physical, and practical challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Raising awareness is therefore not only about numbers, but also about supporting individuals throughout their journey.

Smoking remains the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer and is linked to a large percentage of cases. Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, especially in specific occupational environments, as well as chronic inflammation of the urinary tract, may also increase the risk of developing the disease.

Recognizing the symptoms early can make a critical difference. The most common warning sign is blood in the urine (hematuria), even when no pain is present. Other symptoms may include frequent urination, burning during urination, or a sudden urge to urinate. Although these symptoms may also be associated with less serious conditions, they should never be ignored.

When bladder cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, survival rates are significantly higher, underlining the importance of early detection. However, the disease is also known for its high recurrence rates, making long-term follow-up and monitoring essential even after treatment.

Prevention remains a key pillar in reducing the burden of the disease. Quitting smoking, limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, and increasing awareness of the symptoms can all contribute to lowering the risk.

In Greece, awareness initiatives are also supported by scientific organizations such as the Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group (HGUCG), contributing to public education and the promotion of early symptom recognition.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to encourage open discussion around the disease. Awareness is more than information — it is a tool that can lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and ultimately, more lives saved.

Sources:

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Mapping the efficiency of cancer care in Greece: findings from the All.Can Greece report

Cancer care efficiency in Greece remains one of the most complex and pressing challenges for the Greek health system — not only in terms of its clinical burden, but also in how care is organized around the patient.

With approximately 63,000 new cancer cases diagnosed annually and more than 32,000 cancer-related deaths each year, Greece faces a steadily increasing oncological burden. Projections suggest that cancer incidence will rise by around 23% by 2040, further intensifying pressure on health services.

Against this backdrop, All.Can Greece has published a landmark report titled “Mapping the Efficiency of Cancer Care in Greece”, based on the pilot implementation of the All.Can Action Guide for Efficient Cancer Care.

Rather than simply describing the current situation, the report aims to measure it — identifying where efficiency is lost across the cancer care pathway and where targeted reforms could make the greatest impact.

Cancer care efficiency in Greece: delays in care delivery

One of the most critical findings of the report relates to delays in the patient journey.

Despite the existence of modern infrastructure and highly specialized oncology centres, significant delays persist between initial suspicion, diagnosis, and the start of treatment.

These delays are not the result of a single bottleneck, but of systemic fragmentation:

  • fragmented referral pathways,
  • limited coordination between levels of care,
  • and the absence of standardized clinical protocols.

A key structural weakness is the lack of systematic monitoring of waiting times and time-to-treatment indicators. As a result, inefficiencies remain partially invisible to the system itself, limiting the ability to implement targeted improvements.

Fragmentation across the care continuum

The report highlights a broader issue of fragmentation in cancer care delivery.

The patient journey from primary care to specialist oncology services is often not clearly structured or consistently coordinated. Referral pathways depend heavily on individual practice rather than standardized national protocols.

A major gap is the absence of structured patient navigation services. In practice, this means that patients and families are often left to navigate a complex system on their own, increasing delays and adding unnecessary psychological burden.

At the same time, multidisciplinary tumor boards represent a positive development, supporting collaborative clinical decision-making across specialties. However, systematic monitoring of their performance remains limited.

The development of Comprehensive Cancer Centers is identified as a promising step forward, although further regulatory strengthening and clearer governance structures are still needed to maximize their impact.

Patient-centered care: progress with remaining gaps

Greece has made notable progress in collecting Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs), reflecting a growing commitment to integrating patient perspectives into care delivery.

However, patients’ access to their own clinical data remains limited, restricting their ability to actively participate in decision-making processes.

In addition, patient education and shared decision-making are not yet systematically embedded across the health system.

Another important gap concerns survivorship care. As cancer survival rates improve, the lack of structured long-term follow-up pathways leaves many patients without continuous support after active treatment ends.

Key policy directions

The report outlines several strategic priorities for improving cancer care efficiency in Greece:

  • Development of a comprehensive national cancer strategy with clear targets and governance mechanisms
  • Strengthening coordination across all levels of care
  • Implementation of standardized clinical pathways with defined time-to-treatment and quality indicators
  • Investment in oncology workforce capacity, particularly in shortage specialties
  • Establishment of structured patient navigation programmes
  • Acceleration of Comprehensive Cancer Center development
  • Systematic use of health data for monitoring performance and accountability
  • Greater patient engagement through PROMs, PREMs, and shared decision-making

Conclusion: a system with strong foundations but limited integration

Greece has many of the essential building blocks for a high-performing cancer care system — including infrastructure, clinical expertise, and emerging digital health capabilities.

However, the key challenge lies not in the existence of these components, but in their integration.

The All.Can Greece report highlights a system that is still operating in silos: strong individual elements that do not yet function as a fully connected care pathway.

In oncology, this lack of integration is not merely an organizational issue. It directly affects timeliness, patient experience, and ultimately outcomes.

The opportunity now lies in moving from fragmented capacity to coordinated care — where patients no longer have to bridge the gaps between system components themselves.

Source: Mapping-the-Efficiency-of-Cancer-Care-in-Greece-FINAL

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 in the second half of April: Information, collaborations and strengthening patient care

Kapa3 in April

Throughout April, Kapa3 continued to develop actions and initiatives aimed at improving access to care for oncology patients and their families, with a strong focus on information, prevention, and the development of innovative collaborations.

This period’s activities focused on raising awareness about key cancer types, improving patients’ daily lives through policy and systemic developments, and expanding partnerships that enhance the quality of care and services provided.

In an ever-evolving healthcare environment, the connection between reliable information, human support, and technology remains a key pillar for a more accessible and effective care system.

Below are the main initiatives and developments that marked the second half of the month.

Awareness

April is an awareness month for head and neck cancer as well as testicular cancer, highlighting the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. Although these types of cancer are often underrepresented in public discourse, awareness plays a crucial role in reducing late diagnoses and improving patients’ quality of life.

Patients’ rights

Important developments took place in the field of patients’ rights, including the establishment of the National Registry for Hospital-at-Home Care (NOSPI), aiming to better organise and ensure the safety of home-based care.

At the same time, the new framework for Public Administration introduces changes that directly affect citizens’ daily lives, enhancing transparency, reducing bureaucracy, and improving access to public services.

Collaborations

During April, Kapa3 further strengthened its network of collaborations through significant partnerships.

The collaboration with the PRAXI Network/FORTH, within the European smartHEALTH hub, enhances participation in innovation and health policy initiatives, opening new opportunities at European level.

In addition, the partnership with Karkinaki focuses on supporting children, adolescents, and families living with cancer, promoting a holistic approach to care.

Furthermore, the collaboration with SimasiaAI for the development of “Myrto”, an AI-powered digital assistant, highlights the importance of technology in empowering patients and improving access to reliable information and services.

Research & knowledge

A new international report on person-centred cancer care highlights the need for a holistic model that places the patient at the centre. This approach recognises not only clinical needs but also psychosocial dimensions, reinforcing the importance of patient involvement in decision-making.

Patients & society

On the occasion of European Patients’ Rights Day (18 April), Kapa3 highlighted the importance of equal access to quality care. Despite progress, challenges such as inequalities and delays remain, making the continued strengthening of support structures essential.

Supporting our work

Kapa3’s collection of handmade scarves continues to serve as a creative way of supporting the organisation’s mission, combining aesthetics with meaningful contribution to people living with cancer.

We continue to monitor developments and work towards improving patients’ daily lives — more news coming soon.

Text/adaptation: Ifigenia 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

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month – March

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

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

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

Prevention and early detection save lives.

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

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

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

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

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

Sources:

Digital Access to Test Results: An Important Right for Patients

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Government Gazette, FEK B’ 1503/17.03.2026

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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