Category: Discrimination

World Cancer Day: United by Our Uniqueness

Every year on 4 February, World Cancer Day invites us to reflect on one of the greatest challenges of modern public health.

The goal is not only to confront cancer as a disease, but to face it with knowledge, empathy and shared responsibility. Because cancer touches millions of lives in countless ways, yet it does not define who we are. We are more than a diagnosis, more than a number.

World Cancer Day was established in 2000, following the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. It is a core element of the Paris Charter Against Cancer — a global commitment to advancing research, prevention, patient care, awareness and international mobilisation. Since then, the day has served as a reminder that addressing cancer requires long-term vision, cooperation and consistency.

This year’s message, “United by Unique”, highlights a fundamental truth: cancer is not only a medical event.

It is a deeply personal experience. Behind every diagnosis lies a unique human story — stories of fear and loss, but also of resilience, care, love and healing. Every story counts.

Cancer Today: Facts and Challenges

Cancer remains one of the most significant public health challenges in Europe and in Greece. Data from international and European organisations underline not only the scale of the disease, but also the persistent inequalities in prevention, early detection and access to care.

In Europe, approximately 2.7 million new cancer diagnoses are recorded each year, with around 1.3 million deaths, while the economic burden exceeds €93 billion annually. In Greece, cancer is the second leading cause of death, affecting thousands of families and carrying profound social and psychological consequences.

Progress, Prevention and Hope

At the same time, scientific progress offers well-founded reasons for optimism.

Prevention and early detection remain decisive factors. Screening programmes, vaccination, healthy lifestyle choices and access to reliable information can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers and improve treatment outcomes. In this context, knowledge is not merely information — it is power and a fundamental right.

Advances in cancer management are equally important. Personalised medicine, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and improved management of treatment side effects contribute not only to increased survival rates, but also to a better quality of life for people living with and beyond cancer. Information and education are key tools for both prevention and empowerment.

Mental health plays a crucial role as well. Diagnosis and treatment are often accompanied by anxiety, fear, sadness and emotional exhaustion — affecting not only patients, but also their caregivers. Psychosocial support, counselling services and empowerment groups are essential components of holistic cancer care, helping to preserve dignity and quality of life.

Information, research and mental health care are core pillars of modern cancer management. Indicatively, you may explore the following Kapa3 articles:

Empowerment and Action

World Cancer Day is not just a day of awareness. It is a call to action:

  • to speak openly about prevention and our health,

  • to support people living with cancer and their caregivers,

  • to seek reliable information and evidence-based sources,

  • to advocate for equal access to care and psychological support,

  • to remember that no one should face cancer alone.

Because our strength lies in solidarity — and in respecting the uniqueness of every individual.

United by our uniqueness.

References:

World Health Organization (WHO) – Cancer
https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
https://www.iarc.who.int

Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) – World Cancer Day
https://www.worldcancerday.org

European Commission – Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan
https://health.ec.europa.eu/eu-policy/health-strategies/europes-beating-cancer-plan_en

European Cancer Information System (ECIS)
https://ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu

Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) – Health Data
https://www.statistics.gr/en/statistics/-/publication/SHE15/

Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY) – Cancer & Public Health
https://eody.gov.gr/

Greek Ministry of Health – Prevention & Screening
https://www.moh.gov.gr/articles/prevention-screening

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Migrants Day – 18 December

Health without borders: equal access to care as a human right

International Migrants Day is observed every year on 18 December, marking the date in 1990 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The day is not only about population movement, but about fundamental rights, dignity, and—above all—equitable access to health care for all, regardless of origin or legal status.

Global Statistics

Globally, more than 281 million people currently live outside their country of birth, representing approximately 3.6% of the world’s population (International Organization for Migration – World Migration Report).

Migrants and refugees consistently face health inequalities driven by barriers such as language, limited health literacy, insecure housing and employment, and fear of exclusion from health systems. According to the World Health Organization, social determinants of health play a decisive role in access to prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, resulting in poorer health outcomes for migrant populations.

These inequalities are further compounded among particularly vulnerable groups, including children and young people, women, and individuals without stable legal status. In cases of serious or chronic illness—such as cancer—delayed diagnosis, interruptions in treatment and lack of psychosocial support can have a profound impact on disease outcomes and quality of life.

Situation in Greece

Within the Greek context, the country continues to serve as both a host and transit point for migrants and refugees. According to data from Eurostat and the Hellenic Statistical Authority, a significant proportion of the population residing in Greece consists of third-country nationals, while access to comprehensive health services remains uneven, particularly for young people and individuals with increased care needs. Despite existing legal provisions, practical barriers persist in prevention, continuity of care and psychosocial support.

In oncology, these challenges become even more pronounced. Cancer does not discriminate, yet access to care is often shaped by social and economic factors. The need for culturally sensitive, accessible and continuous health services is critical to ensure that no person is left unsupported when facing a cancer diagnosis.

In this context, Kapa3 has long worked to highlight social inequalities in health and to promote holistic cancer care for all people, regardless of background. In 2024, a targeted support initiative for refugees and migrants living with cancer was implemented through the programme “Cancer May Control your Body for a While, But Not Your Soul”, with the support of the King Baudouin Foundation.

The action focused on the regions of Macedonia and Thrace, addressing refugees and migrants in the area, with particular emphasis on the 15–24 age group, aiming to provide immediate primary care assistance and continuous support throughout the course of their treatment.

International Migrants Day is a reminder that health is a human right, not a privilege. Ensuring equitable access to care—especially for those most at risk—is a shared responsibility of institutions, health professionals and society as a whole.

A fair and healthy society is one that leaves no one behind.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities — 3 December

A day of awareness, commitment, and action

The International Disability Day, also known as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), established by the United Nations in 1992, serves as an annual reminder of the need for full inclusion, equality, and respect for the rights of persons with disabilities across all aspects of social life. Moreover, today, more than ever, promoting accessibility and inclusion is not optional — it is an obligation.

According to the World Health Organization (2024), approximately 1.3 billion people — 16% of the global population — live with some form of disability. Disability is part of human diversity, and the lived experience of it highlights the systemic inequalities that continue to exist in many countries, including Greece. As a result, the need for stronger inclusion policies becomes increasingly evident.

These global figures highlight why International Disability Day remains a vital call to action worldwide.

Challenges and inequalities in Greece

In Greece, persons with disabilities still face significant barriers in their daily lives: inadequate accessibility in public spaces and services, difficulties in mobility, limited access to employment, and persistent social stigma that deeply affects their quality of life. National data confirm that these inequalities have direct consequences on health, education, and participation in social and economic life.

At the same time, improving accessibility is not only about removing barriers — it is about shaping a society that recognizes the real needs of its people. Therefore, from training professionals and changing attitudes, to ensuring universal access to healthcare and psychosocial support, inclusion requires sustained commitment. Only then can we guarantee that every citizen has equal opportunities, dignity, and participation.

Kapa3’s perspective: A world where every voice is heard

At the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, we support individuals facing serious health challenges every day. We understand how essential the following are:

  • clear and accessible information
  •  timely support
  •  respect
  •  care without exclusions

Learn more about the rights of Persons with Disabilities in the following publications on our website here.

Find information about issuing a disability card here, and about free or reduced public transportation fares here.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that every action and every policy must be built on the principle of inclusion.
No one should be left behind.

Building more inclusive societies: From vision to practice

Creating a truly accessible environment requires:

  • Accessible cities and public services
  •  Training for professionals in health, social care, and customer service
  •  Accessible digital technologies
  •  Employment policies that enable active participation
  •  Awareness-raising and dialogue to combat stigma

Inclusion is not an act of “good will” — it is a prerequisite for social progress.

At the same time, the transition to a genuinely inclusive society is not instantaneous. It requires coordinated efforts from the State, civil society, and persons with disabilities themselves. Continuous evaluation, transparency, and meaningful participation are the foundations of lasting change.

Access is a right.
Every person deserves respect and equal opportunities.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Sources

 

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.