Category: CANCER

World Food Day: Nourishment as a Pillar of Recovery, Equity & Dignity

Every year on October 16, we pause to remember that food is not a luxury — it is a fundamental human right. As the global theme underscores, “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” we cannot separate what we eat from how we live, survive, and heal.

The Cancer–Nutrition Connection

For people living with cancer, nutrition can shift from routine to lifeline. The right balance of proteins, micronutrients, hydration, and calories helps sustain strength, improve tolerance of treatments, and support recovery. Yet many cancer patients face serious obstacles: loss of appetite, changes in taste, nausea, fatigue, and swallowing problems. These side effects often lead to undernutrition or weight loss, which in turn can weaken resilience against therapy.

The Shadow of Food Insecurity

The medical challenges compound when food access is uncertain. Studies show that between 17% and 55% of cancer patients worldwide experience food insecurity. Among survivors, those struggling with insecure nutrition have been shown to carry a 28% higher risk of mortality compared to those with stable access. In some research from the U.S., about 6% of older cancer survivors report food insecurity, especially when healthcare costs become “catastrophic” relative to income. These numbers are alarming — they confirm that disease and deprivation often travel together.

The Broader Picture

Food systems globally are strained by climate change, supply chain disruptions, inequalities, and the overuse of ultra-processed foods. In cancer contexts, a 10% increase in ultra-processed food intake has been linked with higher incidence of some cancers (breast, colorectal, head & neck). Ensuring equitable access to fresh, minimally processed foods is critical to prevention and treatment alike.

At Kapa3, we firmly believe that caring for people with cancer goes far beyond medical treatment. Proper nutrition, psychological support, and reliable information are equally important pillars for each person’s wellbeing and dignity.
Raising awareness about nutrition is an essential part of our mission to highlight issues related to quality of life, encourage healthy choices, and remind everyone that even the smallest changes in our daily habits can make a meaningful difference in supporting both patients and their caregivers.

On this World Food Day, let us commit to more than awareness. We must advocate for policies that ensure nutritious food access as part of healthcare, especially for patients facing serious illness. Governments, NGOs, health institutions — all must collaborate to reduce food deserts, subsidize healthy staples, and integrate food security screening into patient care protocols.

In shared meals, there’s more than sustenance: there’s hope, connection, and dignity. Those fighting cancer deserve every bite of comfort, strength, and life — and none should ever be left behind.

Read more about our Holistic Body and Mind Care online Meetings with Kapa3 and the University of the Peloponnese here

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is internationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to education, prevention, and support for everyone affected by the disease. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, yet early diagnosis and advances in treatment have significantly improved both quality and length of life.

The event began in 1985 as a week-long awareness campaign by the American Cancer Society, in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries, a British company that made tamoxifen. The campaign eventually grew into a month-long event.

The core message of this month is simple but crucial: awareness saves lives. Regular mammograms, self-examinations, and timely medical advice when suspicious signs appear are the most powerful tools for prevention and early detection. International studies show that women who participate in screening programs are more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment.

However, October is not just about medical tests. It is a month that highlights the importance of psychosocial support and solidarity. Breast cancer affects not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Women – and men – facing this diagnosis need a supportive network of family, friends, healthcare professionals, and organizations to guide, encourage, and stand by them every step of the way.

The Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center joins the international community in emphasizing the value of accurate information and equitable access to healthcare services. Through informative articles, prevention guides, and psychological support, our goal is to stand by every person in need, providing reliable knowledge and meaningful assistance.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than a campaign: it is a reminder that life can be won when prevention, education, and solidarity become part of our daily practice. October calls on all of us to raise our voices, promote screening, and embrace those fighting their own battles—because no one should face cancer alone.

World Mental Health Day

Every year on 10 October, the world raises its voice for mental health. The World Health Organization reminds us that there is no health without mental health — a truth that is especially important for people living with cancer.

A cancer diagnosis, the treatments, and the uncertainty about the future can create a heavy emotional burden. Many patients experience anxiety, sadness, or feelings of isolation. Studies show that around 30% of people with cancer face psychological challenges such as depression or post-traumatic stress — conditions that affect not only mood but also treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

Psychological distress is not merely a natural reaction to illness; it can influence the immune system, increase chronic inflammation, and reduce the body’s resilience. Behaviourally, it may lead to delays in seeking care, poor adherence to treatment, and social withdrawal. That’s why psychological support is an essential component of cancer care.

A growing body of research shows that interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based practices significantly reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and stress, while enhancing resilience, post-traumatic growth, and quality of life. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), art-based mindfulness, and guided meditation are all proven to help patients regain emotional balance and strength.

At Kapa3 – Cancer Guidance Center, we believe care extends beyond medical treatments. Human connection, understanding, and the sense that “you are not alone” can make all the difference. By providing information, support, and a compassionate presence, we aim to lighten the emotional load for both patients and their families.

World Mental Health Day reminds us that caring for the patient is holistic. Cancer is not only a physical battle; it is an emotional journey — and no journey should be faced alone.

References / Learn more:

Kapa3 at the “Latest Developments in Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment VII” Conference

Kapa3 at the “Latest Developments in Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment VII” Conference – Highlighting the Social Dimension of Health and Palliative Care

From October 3 to 5, 2025, the “Latest Developments in Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment VII” conference took place at the Electra Palace Hotel in Thessaloniki, featuring hybrid participation and attracting dozens of healthcare professionals from across Greece. Attendance averaged around 70 participants per hour, reflecting strong interest in both scientific advancements and social aspects of lung cancer care.

At the Round Table “Social and Economic Determinants of Health: The Kapa3 Model” (October 5, 09:00–10:15), Evageli Bista and Anastasia Fragkedaki presented Kapa3’s patient-centered care model, which integrates psychosocial support, information, and empowerment for patients and caregivers.

The discussion focused on the patient’s social context, the impact of socio-economic factors on health outcomes, and the critical importance of palliative care, particularly in Northern Greece where dedicated resources remain limited. Reference was also made to the pilot program “OIKOTHEN”, implemented in collaboration with Kapa3, currently supporting four patients and receiving highly positive feedback, with plans to expand in the future.

Kapa3’s presence at the conference drew notable interest from healthcare professionals, helping to disseminate the organization’s work and philosophy across new scientific communities and healthcare institutions.

Through active participation in key scientific events nationwide, Kapa3 continues to promote the principles of holistic care, collaboration, and solidarity in the fight against cancer.

Kapa3 Highlights the Psychosocial Dimension of Cancer at the Oichalia Event “The Optimistic Side of Cancer”

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, Kapa3 – the Cancer Guidance Centre – took part in the event “The Optimistic Side of Cancer”, held at the Maria Callas Cultural Centre in Oichalia, organized by the Municipality of Oichalia and the Region of Peloponnese.

The event brought together health professionals, patient organizations, and representatives of local authorities to discuss new perspectives on cancer treatment and survivorship.

Representing Kapa3, Evageli Bista, Head of Development and Operations, participated in the thematic panel “Psychosocial impacts on patients and their close environment” (19:15), delivering a talk on “Psychosocial challenges for patients and caregivers.”

Alongside Ms. Bista, the panel included insightful contributions from Dr. Maria Chaniotou, oncologist, and Ms. Eleni Papadopoulou, psychologist, who shared their professional experience and emphasized the importance of coordinated care and emotional support for people living with cancer.

Through her presentation, Ms. Bista underlined the crucial role of psychosocial support in empowering both patients and caregivers to navigate the emotional and practical challenges of cancer.

By participating in this inspiring event, Kapa3 reaffirmed its commitment to promoting solidarity, evidence-based knowledge, and holistic care as key pillars in the journey toward well-being and recovery.

7 October – World Day for Decent Work

World Day for Decent Work was established in 2008 by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) to emphasize everyone’s right to safe, healthy, and dignified working conditions.

It highlights the importance of respect, equality, and social justice in the workplace.

For people living with cancer, work often presents a dilemma: how to balance treatment demands with job responsibilities. Unfortunately, prejudice and lack of awareness can push many patients to the margins.

Access to decent work is not a luxury—it is a right. Support at work, flexible hours, colleague understanding, and elimination of discrimination are crucial steps toward an inclusive society.

Kapa3 supports patients in knowing their rights and advocating for themselves at work. At the same time, we raise awareness about the importance of workplace inclusion.
World Day for Decent Work reminds us that the fight against cancer should never come with social exclusion. A fair society embraces everyone with respect and equal opportunities.

World Animal Day: The Healing Presence of Animals

World Animal Day reminds us that we share the planet with all living beings.

Animals are not just companions in our lives; they are an essential part of the balance of nature and our daily world. For many patients, having a pet provides comfort, affection, and a unique bond that eases life’s challenges.

The idea of World Animal Day began in 1925 with Heinrich Zimmermann, who organized the first celebration in Berlin. By 1931, October 4th became officially recognized as a day for all animals. The date is also connected to the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, symbolizing care and respect for all creatures.

For those fighting cancer, the presence of an animal can be therapeutic. Pet companionship reduces anxiety, brings smiles, and strengthens emotional resilience. Many hospitals abroad use “pet therapy” programs where interaction with animals helps patients feel less alone and more empowered.

At the Kapa3 Cancer Guidance Center, we understand that patient care goes beyond treatment. Mental and emotional well-being is equally important. The power of love—even from a cat or dog—reminds us that no one should walk the path of cancer alone.

World Animal Day calls us to respect all creatures and remember that kindness and affection, wherever we find them, are forms of healing.

You can read more here:

https://nationaltoday.com/world-animal-day/

About Us

Mount Athos: The Hidden Link Between Spirituality and Health

 

Mount Athos: The Hidden Link Between Spirituality and Health

In northern Greece, perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, lies the Holy Monastery of Simonos Petra — one of the twenty monasteries that make up Mount Athos. For more than a thousand years, the monks of the Holy Mountain have lived a simple life of prayer, devoted to their goal of drawing closer to God.

Longevity and Health

Simonos Petra reflects the same spiritual and physical discipline found throughout Mount Athos, where life and health are closely intertwined with faith. Despite a population of around 2,000 monks, there is only one doctor on the Holy Mountain — and rarely needed. Studies have shown that the monks exhibit remarkably low rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s. In a thirteen-year study of 1,500 monks, not a single case of lung or colon cancer was recorded, while prostate cancer incidence was far below the international average.

Their good health is attributed to a Mediterranean, meat-free diet rich in olive oil and plant proteins, strict adherence to regular meal times, and a labor-intensive, self-sufficient lifestyle: cultivating the land, gathering fruits, maintaining the facilities, and working hard to sustain their daily needs.

The Spiritual Dimension

Beyond diet and lifestyle, the monks themselves believe their health is connected to something deeper: their mystical relationship with God. As Father Maximos says, “You cannot know. It is a mystery that the human mind will never unlock. The only certainty is that spiritual laws are at work. How they operate, only God knows.”

Modern scientific studies suggest that faith and spirituality can strengthen the immune system and reduce the impact of stress on physical health. When religious practice is accompanied by sincere intention and an authentic relationship with the Divine, it can bring deeper peace, resilience, and ultimately, better health.

A Lesson for the Modern World

The example of the monks of Mount Athos shows that health is not only a matter of diet and exercise but also of spiritual balance. In a world full of stress, cultivating inner peace and committing to values such as patience, compassion, and humility may be the most powerful “medicine” for both body and soul.

Source: Article by Elaine Claire Siegfried here

When Strength Emerges from Adversity

 

 

When Strength Emerges from Adversity
Understanding Post-Traumatic Growth in People Affected by Cancer

When we talk about the psychological state of a cancer patient, the words that usually come to mind are heavy ones: shock, pain, loss, depression. For many years, research focused mainly on the negative consequences of trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In recent decades, however, scientists and psychologists have started to recognize another, less familiar but equally important reality: out of pain, something positive can also emerge. Some people don’t just “bounce back” from adversity — they undergo profound change, discovering new meaning in life and strengthening their relationships. This process is called Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).

What is Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) in Cancer Survivors?

Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) refers to the positive psychological changes that can emerge after facing traumatic experiences such as cancer. Instead of remaining “stuck” in the trauma, survivors may develop greater resilience, a renewed sense of purpose, and deeper connections with others.

Key Findings

  1. Psychological Factors
  • Emotional Regulation: The ability to manage emotions is linked to higher PTG.
  • Sense of Purpose: Discovering or renewing life’s meaning strengthens growth.
  • Self-Esteem: A healthy self-image supports positive change.
  1. Predictive Factors
  • Social Support: Strong relationships foster recovery and growth.
  • Spirituality: Personal beliefs can act as a protective factor.
  • Coping Strategies: Healthy ways of dealing with challenges (like positive reframing) promote PTG.
  1. Helpful Interventions
  • Psychological Support: Therapies that focus on PTG show promising results.
  • Support Groups: Sharing experiences with others can enhance recovery.
  • Educational Programs: Learning tools for resilience empowers survivors.

At the end of the day, every cancer journey is unique — but for many, pain can also give rise to an unexpected new strength. PTG does not erase sorrow or struggle; it simply shows that alongside trauma, something meaningful can take root and carry life forward. And it is exactly this understanding of PTG that gives us yet another reason to stand by people with cancer through their difficult path — with respect, patience, and genuine presence.

Read the full article here

The new OECD report (2025) highlights Greece’s challenges and priorities in cancer

The new OECD report (2025) highlights Greece’s challenges and priorities in cancer, comparing them with other European countries.

Key points:

  • Increased incidence: Greece records ~67,000 new cancer diagnoses and ~36,000 deaths annually (2022 data). By 2050, cases are expected to increase by 36%.
  • Risk factors: Smoking, obesity, poor diet, air pollution, low HPV vaccination coverage.
  • Early diagnosis: There are programs for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, but they are not yet sufficiently developed or sustainable beyond 2025.
  • Inequalities in care: Staff shortages, geographical inequalities, high out-of-pocket costs, difficulties in access for vulnerable groups.
  • Survivors & caregivers: There is no organized strategy for the quality of life of survivors, while caregivers are overburdened. The “right to be forgotten” does not yet apply in Greece.
  • Data & policy: Until recently, there was no national cancer registry. Greece does not yet have a comprehensive National Cancer Plan, unlike many other European countries.

Conclusion:
Greece is called upon to:

– strengthen prevention and population-based screening,

– reduce inequalities in access,

– support survivors and caregivers,

– and develop a holistic national cancer plan with clear targets and evaluation.

The report clearly shows that the country needs greater investment, better organization, and integration of actions into European planning.

See the report in detail here  22087cfa-en (1)

The main points are given in the file below by the Kapa3 team. OOSA 2025 REPORT