Category: Health and Social Welfare

“Myrto” under Scientific Evaluation: Transparency, Evidence and Human Oversight in Social Navigation for Oncology Patients

“Myrto” under Scientific Evaluation: Transparency, Evidence and Human Oversight in Social Navigation for Oncology Patients

The first closed scientific testing workshop of the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator has been completed

Athens, 6 July 2026

The first closed scientific testing and evaluation workshop of “Myrto”, the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator developed by the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, was successfully completed.

The workshop was organised by the Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3, with the support of René Descartes – Cnam College and the participation of SimasiaAI. It functioned as a dynamic scientific co-design workshop, bringing together specialised professionals from the fields of healthcare, social care, information technology and personal data protection.

The process was closed and strictly experimental in nature and did not constitute a public presentation of a completed product. Its purpose was to evaluate the behaviour of the application through hypothetical and fully anonymised scenarios, to record correct responses and areas requiring improvement, and to use expert feedback for the next phase of development.

The project “Myrto – Health and Social Rights Navigator” is being developed as a knowledge-based digital social navigation system, guided by the principles of explainable, transparent and human-centred Artificial Intelligence.

Its aim is to transform complex legal, administrative and social information into clear, evidence-based and practically useful guidance for oncology patients, caregivers and citizens.

“Myrto” does not replace professional social, legal, medical or clinical judgement. It operates as a supportive information and navigation tool, with clearly defined functional boundaries, human oversight and the possibility of referral to the competent services and professionals of Kapa3.

The programme is implemented with the support of the TIMA Charitable Foundation.

From Information to Understandable Knowledge

During the workshop, the need that led to the creation of “Myrto” was presented, along with the real barriers faced by patients and caregivers when seeking information on social rights, benefits and administrative procedures.

Particular emphasis was placed on addressing digital and informational exclusion. “Myrto” is designed to transform fragmented and often difficult-to-understand information into simple, structured and comprehensible guidance.

A Thematically Specialised and Curated Knowledge Base

The project’s technical partner, SimasiaAI, presented the operation of the application and the architecture used for information retrieval and synthesis.

“Myrto” uses a hybrid search mechanism that combines text retrieval and semantic search techniques, with the aim of identifying the information most relevant to the user’s question. The application operates on a thematically specialised and curated knowledge base.

A central element of its design is the traceability of information, namely the ability to link an answer to the source on which it is based. The use of validated sources reduces the risk of unsupported responses and enables the identification, review and correction of issues through a process of continuous maintenance, regular updating and adaptation to evolving guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Explainability and Human-Understandable Answers

The evaluation did not focus only on whether “Myrto” retrieves the correct information, but also on whether it can present that information in a clear, understandable and conceptually coherent way.

This approach strengthens trust, responsible use of the tool and the meaningful empowerment of citizens through a response-generation system that supports a transparent, evidence-based and human-supervised knowledge ecosystem, in which every piece of information is understandable, verifiable and connected to its source.

Data Protection and Compliance by Design

Personal data protection and regulatory compliance are embedded from the design stage of the application, in accordance with the principles of data protection by default and by design.

During the workshop, only hypothetical or fully anonymised cases were used. Particular emphasis was placed on the principles of data minimisation, anonymisation and secure processing. These principles are directly linked to contemporary requirements for the responsible development of Artificial Intelligence systems, the protection of special categories of data and compliance with the European regulatory framework.

Live Testing of Hypothetical Scenarios

The professionals who participated in the workshop tested the application individually and in small groups, using only hypothetical and fully anonymised cases. The testing was based on an approach that evaluated the behaviour of the system, examining not only whether the final answer was correct, but also whether the overall operation of the application was safe, understandable and appropriate for the specific request.

Disability Certification through KEPA

In one of the key scenarios, “Myrto” was asked to guide a hypothetical patient who did not know how to start the disability certification procedure through KEPA. The system retrieved the main steps of the process, organised the information in an understandable format and provided relevant references to the sources.

Participants evaluated:

  • the accuracy of the information,
  • the completeness of the steps,
  • the clarity of the language,
  • and the practical usefulness of the answer.

Travel from the Region for Treatment

In a second scenario, the case of an oncology patient who needed to travel from the region to another location for treatment was examined. The application identified relevant categories of socioeconomic support and benefits and presented possible next steps to the user.

The test allowed participants to assess:

  • the correct identification of the request,
  • the connection between different rights and benefits,
  • the completeness of the sources,
  • and the possibility of referral to the appropriate services.

At the same time, cases were also examined in which:

  • the question was unclear or incomplete,
  • the user did not know which right or benefit to look for,
  • clarifying questions were required,
  • medical or personalised legal advice was requested,
  • or immediate human intervention was necessary.

A Continuous Cycle of Scientific Feedback

The meeting concluded with a discussion of the testing results, a review of the technical logs and the presentation of key usage statistics for the application.

The participants’ observations are not treated as isolated comments, but as structured scientific feedback for improvement. In this way, a closed cycle of learning and feedback is created, in which technology, scientific knowledge and the experience of professionals interact continuously.

The continuous involvement of experts and the integration of structured feedback are considered critical for strengthening transparency, reliability and trust in Artificial Intelligence systems used in sensitive fields.

The Interdisciplinary Project Team

The development, scientific documentation and regulatory compliance of “Myrto” are supported by an interdisciplinary team from the fields of health services administration, information technology, personal data protection, language technology and software development. The workshop was attended by:

Evangeli Bista, Co-founder of Kapa3 and Head of Strategic Partnerships; Aristea Archontidou, Industrial Informatics Engineer with postgraduate specialisation in Health Policy and Health Services Planning; Anastasia Vlachopoulou, lawyer and member of the Thessaloniki Bar Association, specialised in personal data protection; Dimitris Papadakis, Co-founder and Sales Manager at SimasiaAI and Project Manager of the “Myrto” project; and Giannis Barous, Co-founder and CTO of SimasiaAI, PhD candidate in Computer Science based in San Francisco, who has undertaken the technical component of the project: how the system identifies the right information, how it connects it with reliable sources and how it provides answers that are evidence-based, useful and safe.

About Kapa3

The Cancer Patient Guidance Centre – Kapa3 is a social support, information and navigation organisation for oncology patients, survivors, caregivers and their families. Its aim is to contribute to equal access to oncology care, social protection and the rights associated with the cancer experience.

Every day, Kapa3 supports people who face not only the disease itself, but also a range of practical, administrative, social and psychosocial challenges. Through personalised social guidance, the organisation helps patients and caregivers learn about their rights, understand available benefits and services, navigate administrative procedures and connect with appropriate support structures.

The main pillars of Kapa3’s work include information on social and insurance rights, support in accessing health and social care services, guidance on benefits and procedures, empowerment of patients and caregivers, and connection with professionals, organisations and communities.

As part of its digital strategy, Kapa3 develops digital empowerment and social navigation tools, such as “Myrto”, the Digital Health and Social Rights Navigator. “Myrto” is designed to transform complex legal, administrative and social information into clear and evidence-based guidance for oncology patients, caregivers and citizens, always with human oversight, transparency and respect for the limits of technology.

Kapa3’s philosophy is based on the principle that care is not limited to medical treatment. It includes access to information, social protection, psychosocial support, dignity, empowerment and the ability of every person to know and claim their rights.

Through collaborations with health and social care professionals, academic and research institutions, civil society organisations, public structures, volunteers and communities, Kapa3 seeks to build bridges between the patient, information, services and real access.

Information about the actions of Kapa3 in Soufli. An initiative of the Branch and the Social Service of the Municipality of Soufli

On Friday, May 29, 2026, a working meeting was held at the offices of the Evros Branch of the Hellenic Anti-Cancer Society in Soufli, at the initiative of the Branch and the Social Service of the Municipality of Soufli, with the aim of strengthening the support of oncology patients and the cooperation between local bodies.

The meeting was attended by the President of the Evros Branch of the Hellenic Anti-Cancer Society, Ms. Theodora Rokka, the Head of the Social Service of the Municipality of Soufli, Mr. Marinos Mantziaras, Ms. Aristea Archontidou from KAPA3, social workers of the Municipality of Soufli, as well as health professionals of the Soufli Health Center.

Particularly important was the presence of Ms. Kalliopi Kafetzaki, a social worker at the Day Center for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Neoplastic Diseases of the Hellenic Anti-Cancer Society, who presented the services of the Day Center and the hostel in Athens, as well as the challenges faced by oncology patients in the region.

The actions of KAPA3 were also presented, while information was provided on digital tools that can facilitate citizens’ access to health services, such as the Health Insurance Fund, the National Health Insurance Fund and the myHealth application. At the same time, the development of “Myrto”, a digital assistant that will support patients, caregivers and health professionals in searching for information and services, was discussed. During the discussion, issues related to inequalities in access to health services in the region, as well as the difficulties that patients encounter in administrative procedures and social benefits, were highlighted.

The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to continue cooperation and develop initiatives that will strengthen the support of oncology patients and their families in the Evros region. We are particularly happy about the presence of Kappa3 throughout Greece and for the trust of social services in our Organization. We remain faithful to the vision and mission of the Organization. For anything you need, please do not hesitate to contact us. The Kappa3 team is constantly by the patients and caregivers’ side to guide and ensure their rights. For any information or support, you can contact us.

You can contact the Kapa3 team at 13 Kostis Palamas, 3rd floor (Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00). Contact numbers: 210 5221424 & 6906265170. Email: info@kapa3.gr

There is an urgent need for psychological support for cancer patients. The KAPA3 team explains and advocates for this

There is an urgent need for psychological support for cancer patients. The KAPA3 team explains and advocates for this

Every day, healthcare professionals are called upon to communicate with, assess, and, above all, support people who are going through cancer.

Does cancer affect only physical health, or does it also have a profound impact on a person’s psychological, social, and emotional life? The needs that arise during the course of the illness are many and are often accompanied by the question: “What does the disease really bring to a person’s life?” A cancer diagnosis brings about significant changes in daily life, relationships, social roles, and the way a person perceives themselves and their future.

A cancer diagnosis is an extremely stressful event, often accompanied by feelings of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, and grief. At the same time, patients are called upon to cope with the effects of treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Changes in physical appearance, fatigue, pain, and limitations in daily functioning can significantly affect their self-esteem and quality of life (Pitman et al., 2018).

Uncertainty regarding the course of the disease and the likelihood of relapse are significant sources of psychological distress. The extent of this phenomenon is reflected in the meta-analysis by Mitchell et al. (2011), which included 94 studies and more than 14,000 cancer patients. According to the results, 16.3% of patients met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, 10.3% for anxiety disorder, and 19.2% for adjustment disorder.

These data highlight that a significant proportion of cancer patients experience severe psychological distress, a fact that underscores the need for specialized psychological support.

Furthermore, cancer often affects an individual’s family and social relationships. The patient may be forced to limit or abandon professional and social roles, while the family is called upon to adapt to new demands and responsibilities, experiencing significant psychological strain of their own (Northouse et al., 2010).

Cancer patients have an increased need for psychological support, as the disease significantly affects their psychological, social, and emotional functioning. Fear of the disease’s progression, uncertainty about the future, the side effects of treatments, and the possibility of recurrence are major sources of psychological distress. At the same time, the experience of cancer is often accompanied by feelings of loss of control, fear, and emotional distress. The contemporary psycho-oncology literature recognizes that the early identification of psychosocial needs and the provision of appropriate interventions are an integral part of holistic oncology care (Caruso & Breitbart, 2020; Mehnert-Theuerkauf et al., 2023).

Within this context, psychological support is a key component of holistic care for cancer patients. Holistic care refers to a comprehensive approach that takes into account not only the patient’s physical needs but also the psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of their health. Counseling, psychotherapy, and support groups provide a safe space for expressing emotions and building psychological resilience (National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN], 2024).

At the same time, they help improve adherence to treatment, strengthen cooperation with healthcare professionals, and maintain quality of life. As Holland and Weiss (2008) argue, psychosocial care is an integral part of high-quality oncology care, from diagnosis through the survival phase.

In conclusion, the experience of cancer is a complex and multidimensional process that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Managing the disease is not limited solely to physical treatment but requires the recognition and addressing of the psychological and social needs that arise at every stage. Providing timely and systematic psychological support can empower the patient, improve their ability to adapt to the demands of treatment, and contribute significantly to maintaining their dignity, hope, and quality of life. Psychological care should be regarded as a fundamental right of every cancer patient and as an integral part of modern oncology practice.

Coordination of Psychological and Social Services within the Framework of Psychosocial Care

The care of cancer patients is not limited to treating the disease and its physical effects. The needs that arise during treatment are often multifaceted and concern both the individual’s psychological well-being and practical, social, or financial issues that affect their daily life.

For this reason, effective support requires close collaboration among different healthcare professionals within a shared framework of psychosocial care. Within this framework, the Social Services and Psychological Services operate in a complementary manner, with the shared goal of enhancing the individual’s quality of life and overall adjustment to the experience of illness.

A client’s contact with the service can begin either through the Social Services Department or the Psychological Services Department. During the initial contact, an assessment of the client’s needs is conducted, and information is provided about all available support services.

Regardless of the initial request, the beneficiary is informed about the option of receiving psychological support, as the experience of cancer is often accompanied by heightened psycho-emotional needs that are not always apparent from the first contact. With their consent, an internal referral can be made to the Psychological Services Department for further evaluation and support.

The Psychological Services Department is responsible for the initial assessment, obtaining informed consent, and creating an individual support file. A structured series of sessions is then provided, tailored to the beneficiary’s needs. During this process, issues may arise related to social benefits, employment challenges, financial burdens, disability certification procedures, or other practical needs that significantly impact the daily functioning of the individual and their family. In such cases, and always with the beneficiary’s consent, cooperation with Social Services is initiated, and Social Services assumes responsibility for managing the relevant social and administrative matters.

The collaboration between the two services enables the timely identification of new needs and ensures continuity of care. Social Services focuses on the practical, social, and administrative aspects of support, while Psychological Services focuses on psychological resilience, emotional processing of the experience of the disease, and adaptation to the changes it brings about. The collaboration between the two services allows for a more comprehensive response to the needs of the cancer patient. In this way, a unified framework of psychosocial care is established that provides substantial support to the patient and their support network at all stages of their journey with the disease.

At the same time, regular communication and coordination between the two services allow for the timely identification of new needs and ensure continuity of care. The Social Services Department focuses on the practical, social, and administrative aspects of support, while the Psychological Services Department focuses on psychological resilience, emotional processing of the experience of the disease, and adaptation to the changes it brings about. The collaboration between the two services enables a more comprehensive response to the needs of cancer patients. In this way, a unified framework of psychosocial care is established that provides substantial support to the patient and their support network at all stages of their journey with the disease.

 

Kapa3 – Cancer Patient Guidance Center

Together, with knowledge, care, and a human touch.

Contact us:

https://www.kapa3.gr/epikoinonia/ by typing “Psychological Support” in the Message box

OR CALL

2105221424 – info@kapa3.gr

Athens: 13 Kostis Palamas Street, 3rd floor, (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) 6982003282

Disability Card: Everything KAPA3 beneficiaries need to know about its use and their rights

The Cancer Patient Guidance Center (KAPA3) informs beneficiaries and their caregivers about Clarification Circular No. 12757 issued by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family. This circular clarifies the framework for the operation, recognition, and mandatory acceptance of the Disability Card by all relevant agencies.

The Disability Card is the official government document that verifies the holder’s identity and status as a person with a disability. The primary purpose of issuing the card is to protect sensitive personal data, as it does not contain any information regarding the nature of the condition or disability.

Below is a detailed summary of all provisions under the law:

  1. Obligations of Entities and Rights to Service

Mandatory Acceptance: The Card must be accepted by all public and private sector entities, as well as by individuals and legal entities 

Priority Service: All entities are required to give priority service to Cardholders in procedures requiring in-person presence and to provide accessibility accommodations.

  1. The Three Forms of the Card (Equal Evidential Value)

Customer service staff are required to accept the Disability Card in whichever of the following forms the citizen chooses.

Printed form: A document with a digital signature from the online portal karta.epan.gov.gr.

Digital form: Via the Gov.gr Wallet app on a mobile device.

Plastic card: A printed form with a standardized design.

  1. Disability Levels and Right to an Attendant

The Card indicates the total disability percentage across three levels, in order to grant the corresponding rights:

Level I: Disability of 50%–66%.

Level II: Disability of 67%–79%.

Level III: Disability of 80% or higher.

“S” Marking (Right to a Companion): If the Card bears the “S” marking, all benefits, rights, and accommodations provided to the cardholder automatically extend to their companion during the period of accompaniment.

  1. What is the status of existing disability certificates?

Please note that disability certificates issued by the competent health committees (KEPAs, ASYE, etc.) remain valid as usual. Citizens who present these certificates instead of the Disability Card will be served as usual in accordance with the provisions applicable to each benefit.

The KAPA3 team stands firmly by patients and caregivers to provide guidance and ensure their rights are protected. For any information or support regarding the use of the Disability Card, please contact us.

 

June: Cancer Survivors Month

Survival is a victory — but care must continue

June is dedicated to people living with and beyond cancer. It is a month of recognition, hope and respect for every person who has faced a cancer diagnosis, completed treatment, continues treatment, or lives with cancer as a long-term condition.

Cancer survival is a major victory. However, for many people, it is not the end of the story. Life after cancer often brings a new reality: follow-up appointments, fear of recurrence, fatigue, emotional distress, changes in body image, work-related challenges, financial pressure, family adjustments and the need to rebuild everyday life with confidence and dignity.

Cancer Survivors Month reminds us that survivorship is not only about living longer. It is also about living better.

A cancer survivor is not only a person who has completed treatment and is disease-free. The term also includes people receiving maintenance treatment, people living with cancer as a chronic condition, and those who continue to experience the physical, emotional, social or economic consequences of the disease and its treatment.

In recent years, advances in early diagnosis, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and supportive care have increased the number of people living many years after a cancer diagnosis. This is a major achievement for medicine, research and public health. At the same time, it creates a new responsibility: to ensure that survivorship care is organised, person-centred and accessible to all.

For many survivors, the end of active treatment is a moment of relief and gratitude. Yet it may also bring uncertainty. Some people feel that everyone around them expects them to “go back to normal”, while they are still trying to understand what has changed in their body, their emotions, their relationships and their daily life.

The fear of recurrence, anxiety before follow-up tests, persistent fatigue, pain, cognitive difficulties, changes in sexuality, emotional vulnerability and social isolation are real experiences for many people after cancer. These needs should not be underestimated. Survivors need space to speak, reliable information, access to professional support when needed, and connection with communities and organisations that understand their journey.

Long-term follow-up is also essential. Survivorship care should not focus only on recurrence. It should also include prevention, early recognition of late effects, management of treatment-related complications, support for mental health, healthy lifestyle guidance and personalised monitoring according to each person’s cancer type, treatment history, age and individual risk factors.

The message is not fear. The message is awareness, prevention and continuity of care.

Life after cancer is also about rights. It is about returning to work, accessing social benefits, understanding available services, managing financial toxicity, supporting caregivers, protecting dignity and ensuring equal access to care. Survivorship must be seen as a social, psychological and practical issue — not only a medical one.

At Kapa3, we see every day that cancer does not always end with the last treatment. It continues in the questions people ask about their rights, their next steps, their follow-up, their access to benefits, psychological support, work, family life and social reintegration.

This is why people living with and beyond cancer need holistic support. They need information, guidance, psychosocial care, access to rights and services, empowerment and continuity of care. No one should feel alone after treatment. No one should be left to navigate bureaucracy, uncertainty or lack of information without support.

Cancer Survivors Month invites us to change the way we talk about survival. We should not ask only: “Did the person survive cancer?” We should also ask:

Are they living with quality of life?
Do they have access to the care they need?
Do they know their rights?
Do they receive psychological and social support?
Can they return to work and daily life with dignity?
Is there a follow-up plan?
Is there someone to guide them when they do not know where to turn?

Cancer survival is a victory. But the real challenge is to turn this victory into a life with quality, safety, rights, support and hope.

At Kapa3, we continue to stand beside every person living with and beyond cancer. Through information, guidance, empowerment and human-centred support, we believe that care does not stop at treatment.

It continues in life.

Alpha Bank and Its Employees Support Kapa3 through the Match for Good Initiative

The Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 warmly thanks Alpha Bank and its employees for their meaningful support through the Match for Good initiative, through which Alpha Bank doubled the contribution of its employees.

Through this initiative, six non-profit organisations from across Greece received financial support during a special event held at Alpha Bank’s headquarters, in the presence of representatives of the organisations. The event was hosted by the Chairman of Alpha Bank’s Board of Directors, Mr. Dimitris Tsitsiragos, and the Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Fragiski Melissa.

Mr. Dimitris Tsitsiragos highlighted that the Match for Good initiative puts into practice Alpha Bank’s commitment to consistently support organisations that create a positive social impact. He underlined that when the individual contribution of employees is combined with the Bank’s support, it becomes a collective force with tangible results.

Ms. Fragiski Melissa noted that Match for Good reflects the Bank’s new culture in practice, giving employees an active role in selecting, participating in and supporting initiatives with social value.

Kapa3 was represented by Ms. Evangeli Bista, co-founder of the Organisation, and Ms. Despoina Chrysostomidou, collaborating psychologist. During the event, they had the opportunity to present Kapa3’s work and discuss the social impact that can be created when corporate responsibility meets the active participation of employees.

For all of us at Kapa3, this support is particularly meaningful. It strengthens our daily effort to stand beside people with lived experience of cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, offering guidance, information, support in accessing rights and services, and practical empowerment tools.

Kapa3 acts as a navigation and support organisation for cancer patients, bridging the gap between need and information, between rights and real access. For many people, especially those living outside major urban centres, the challenge is not only the disease itself. It is uncertainty, bureaucracy, lack of information about available rights, financial burden, transportation difficulties, psychosocial pressure and the need for a reliable companion.

Through initiatives like this, social contribution gains multiplying power and becomes real support for those who need it. The support of Alpha Bank and its employees strengthens Kapa3’s mission: ensuring that no person is left alone when facing cancer, searching for information, navigating procedures or claiming a right they are entitled to.

Health is not only a medical act. It is access, information, dignity, social care and meaningful presence. Every contribution to Kapa3 becomes more guidance, more information, more empowerment and more care for people and families going through a difficult and demanding journey.

We warmly thank Alpha Bank and its employees for their trust, choice and support of Kapa3’s work.

Because when giving becomes collective, it can meaningfully change people’s everyday lives.

 

 

20260310 Match For Good Programme Part2 Alpha Bank Via Solid Havas / Thalia Galanopoulou
20260310 Match For Good Programme Part2 Alpha Bank Via Solid Havas / Thalia Galanopoulou

Match for Good – Alpha Bank (1)

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

This Year’s Good-Luck Charm (2026): A Symbol of Self-Care

The Good Luck Charm of the Year (2026) for Kapa3: The Crown

A Symbol of Self-Care

This year’s good luck charm is dedicated to self-care — a small, daily reminder of the deep importance of tending to ourselves with gentleness, respect, and consistency.
In a time when everyday life becomes increasingly demanding, this charm reminds us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

It symbolizes all those small acts that keep us standing: the pause, the breath, the moment of rest; the warm embrace we offer ourselves. The choice to listen to our bodies, to acknowledge our limits, and to prioritize our health, joy, and inner balance.

And it is precisely this “pause” that led us to our good-luck charm for 2026: the Crown — a symbol that carries far more than what meets the eye.

In music, the crown (fermata) is the pause held by the performer —
the moment of emphasis before the melody continues.
So it is with every struggle: it requires breaths, pauses, small breaks — not to stop, but to continue.

A crown is also a circle. And a circle means you are not alone; around you are people, care, support — a circle that holds you.

If there were a title of honor for those who fight cancer, it would be a crown. Not as a symbol of power, but as a recognition of dignity.

Cancer can sometimes feel like a thorny wreath — heavy, painful, relentless.
And yet, depending on how we choose to face it, it can transform into a wreath of victory: the victory of persistence, endurance, return — and above all, the victory of effort.

Because behind every crown lies a story: of a parent, a friend, a child, a partner, someone who is fighting or supporting someone who fights.

That is why the crown is not just a piece of jewelry — it is a message of strength:

It is not what happens to us that defines us —
but how we choose to face it.

It reminds us that when we care for ourselves, we can truly care for others. That strength, well-being, and kindness begin within us.

May this year’s charm be a small talisman accompanying us each day, inspiring us to make space for what nourishes us, to embrace our vulnerability, and to celebrate our worth.

For a year filled with more care, more peace, and more love — beginning with ourselves.

Let’s fill our days with small acts that make a difference.
Let’s uplift one another.
Let’s turn self-care into a habit.

And for all of us at Kapa3, the invitation is simple: To weave self-care into our everyday lives.

Join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge

Inspired by this year’s charm — dedicated to self-care — we invite you to join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge, a collective action that brings us together through moments of care, calm, and mindfulness.

How the challenge works:

  1. Take one small self-care action during your day.
    It can be something simple: a walk, a breathing break, a warm cup of tea, a few minutes away from screens, journaling your thoughts, a hug you needed.

  2. Capture a photo or write a few words that reflect that moment.

  3. Share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #kapa3gouri.

  4. Tag two friends to keep the chain of self-care going.

Our goal is not the “perfect” image — but the daily reminder that we deserve time, space, and care. Each post becomes a small mosaic of tenderness toward ourselves.
A collective message that wellbeing begins within.

For 2026, choose the Crown — as a symbol of hope, strength, and dignity.
Wear it. Offer it. Share its power.

Thank you for being part of this journey.


The Kapa3 Team

 

 

Kapa3 honored with Gold Award at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025 NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare

A major distinction was awarded to the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3, which received the Gold Award in the category “NGO of the Year – Health and Social Welfare” at the Hellenic Responsible Business Awards 2025.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the awards recognize organizations and initiatives that promote sustainable entrepreneurship and social impact. The ceremony took place on October 14th at the Anais Club, under the auspices of the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, SEV-VIAN, and SETE.

This award highlights Kapa3’s consistent commitment to holistic cancer care, offering free psychosocial guidance, empowerment programs, educational activities, social reintegration initiatives, and innovative digital tools.

Evangelia Bista, President and Founder of Kapa3, stated:

“More than a success, this distinction is a reminder of our values — collaboration, quality, dedication, empathy, and innovation. I am deeply grateful for this exceptional team whose integrity, tireless effort, and shared vision make a difference for our patients. This award belongs to them.”

Since its establishment, Kapa3 has supported more than 10,000 patients and families, while over 1,000 new users visit its website daily for reliable information and guidance. Through scientific evidence, digital innovation, and strong partnerships with public and European stakeholders, Kapa3 promotes a new model of cancer care based on equality, dignity, and inclusion.

As Ms. Bista noted:

“One swallow can make a spring — if you believe in it. And at Kapa3, we’ve been believing it for years, against all odds. We believe.”

“This recognition gives us renewed energy to pursue our mission with dedication, to remain on the frontlines for patients and their families, and to commit every day to improving the support we provide.”