Child health and wellbeing Archives

New MELODIC Scientific Publication on the Mental Health of Young Adults with Cancer

Kapa3 participates in the new scientific publication of the European MELODIC project, entitled:

“Educational Needs Regarding Mental Health of Professionals Working with Young Adults with Cancer: A European Survey.”

The publication addresses a highly important issue in contemporary cancer care: the educational needs of healthcare professionals working with young adults with cancer, particularly in relation to recognising and supporting mental health concerns.

Young adults experiencing cancer often face complex psychosocial challenges. Diagnosis, treatment, changes in daily life, impact on studies, work, relationships, body image and future planning can deeply affect their mental health and quality of life.

The European study, involving 271 healthcare professionals from 21 countries, highlighted an important gap between professionals’ willingness to support patients and the systematic use of validated assessment tools. While approximately half of the participating professionals reported feeling confident in identifying mental health issues, only a small percentage reported using validated screening tools.

This finding is particularly important. It shows that awareness and professional experience are valuable, but they are not enough on their own. Targeted education, appropriate tools, interdisciplinary collaboration and clear support pathways are needed so that the needs of young adults with cancer can be recognised early and addressed in a comprehensive way.

The message of the publication is clear: the education of healthcare professionals can make a meaningful difference in the early recognition, support and care of young adults with cancer.

At Kapa3, this approach is a core principle of our work. Before every intervention and every support action, there is education, information and empowerment of the people who stand beside patients.

Kapa3 professionals and collaborators are trained, informed and actively involved in European projects such as MELODIC, ensuring that the support provided is evidence-informed, human-centred and meaningful.

Kapa3’s active participation in such scientific initiatives strengthens its role as an organisation that connects research with practice, European knowledge with real patient needs, and education with everyday care.

We are proud of our participation in the MELODIC project and of our contribution to a European effort that highlights the importance of mental health, early recognition and targeted education in cancer care.

More information: https://lnkd.in/e9Pw4epy

20 November – World Children’s Day

November 20 is dedicated to something fundamental, childern’s rights: the right of every child to grow up in safety, health, care, and dignity. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989—a text recognizing that children are not “small adults,” but individuals with unique needs and rights that must be protected in every possible way.

The day focuses on equal access to education, protection from all forms of violence and exploitation, health, social support, and children’s participation in decisions that affect them. Every year, international organizations like UNICEF remind us that millions of children worldwide still lack basic rights. In Europe, around 11% of children face severe material deprivation, while globally, over one billion children live in at-risk conditions, according to recent UN estimates. These numbers highlight that while progress exists, the path toward true equality remains long.

The reality in Greece
In Greece, inequalities affecting children remain evident. According to the Multidimensional Child Poverty Index by the Centre of Planning and Economic Research (KEPE, 2023), a significant proportion of children in Greece lack access to basic needs such as adequate housing, education, healthcare, and financial security. Additionally, UNICEF Greece reports that thousands of children face heightened risks of poverty and social exclusion, with vulnerable families disproportionately affected by recent economic pressures.

Within this context, one group of children deserves particular attention: children living with cancer. The disease affects their daily life, education, social relationships, and even their sense of safety and stability. Access to quality medical care, psychological support, and family assistance is not a “luxury”—it is a right.

Every child facing this challenge deserves an environment that respects their needs, supports recovery, and allows them to continue dreaming. Equally important is empowering parents, who often face extraordinary difficulties while caring for their child.

At Kapa3, we strongly believe that protecting children—especially those experiencing cancer—is a responsibility shared by all. That is why we stand firmly by them, promoting care, psychosocial support, and societal awareness. Every action, every piece of information, and every collaboration strengthens the network of protection that children deserve.

World Children’s Day reminds us that protection must be continuous. Through cooperation, knowledge, and humanity, we can create a framework where every child—healthy or ill—feels valued, heard, and hopeful for the future.

Sources:
• KEPE – Multidimensional Child Poverty Index
• UNICEF Greece – Child Rights & Poverty Data

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3