Category: Health awareness

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

KAPA3 at the 18th Panhellenic Congress of Nutrition & Dietetics

The 18th Panhellenic Congress of Nutrition & Dietetics took place at the Athens Concert Hall from 4–6 December 2025, bringing together scientists and professionals to discuss the latest developments in nutrition under the central theme “Bridging Research and Practice.”

The Congress covered topics ranging from alternative proteins to eating disorders, through lectures, workshops, and roundtable discussions.

During the session “Co-Creating Health: Participatory Research with Cancer Patients on Nutrition and Mental Resilience”, held on Friday, 5 December in Hall MC3, participants included Andrea Paola Rojas Gil, Associate Professor of Biology – Biochemistry and Director of the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences at the University of Peloponnese, a close KAPA3 collaborator in the field of nutrition, with the topic “Nutrition as a Tool to Support Treatment and Wellbeing: Comparison of Co-Design Programs for Oncology Patients in Greece and Colombia”; Evagelia Bista on behalf of KAPA3 with “Nutrition as a Social Determinant of Health: Inequalities, Education, Environment and Policies”; and Ioanna Sideri with “Mental Health and Strategies for Empowerment and Resilience”.

Nutrition as a Social Determinant of Health

Evagelia Bista emphasized that nutrition is not merely a personal choice but one of the most critical social determinants of health, directly affecting the prevention, progression, and quality of life of oncology patients. Nearly half of people worldwide lack access to healthy food, and socio-economic inequalities determine who can follow a nutritious diet. Greece is no exception: the economic crisis, the high cost of healthy foods, and the turn towards cheap, highly processed options have worsened the situation.

Key points highlighted in the presentation included:

  • Income, education level, and food availability determine dietary quality, with low-income households experiencing higher rates of obesity and chronic diseases.

  • A shift from the Mediterranean diet towards Western-style options due to economic and social factors.

  • A double burden for vulnerable populations: undernutrition and obesity coexist, particularly affecting those facing food insecurity.

  • Impacts on oncology patients: adequate nutrition is crucial for treatment tolerance, recovery, and quality of life, yet many patients face financial and treatment-related barriers.

Ms. Bista presented KAPA3’s actions with a focus on nutritional support and the participatory approach applied in online Experiential Sessions, conducted in collaboration with the University of Peloponnese. These sessions continue a series dedicated to holistic care for body and mind, emphasizing both nutrition and mental health for oncology patients and their caregivers.

KAPA3 underlines that nutrition cannot be seen as an individual behavior alone but as the result of social, economic, and environmental factors. Reducing inequalities and ensuring access to healthy food for all is essential for better health outcomes, especially in oncology care.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

World AIDS Day — December 1

World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Despite remarkable progress in recent decades, millions of people worldwide are still living with the virus. At the same time, inequalities in access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment continue to cost lives.

Established in 1988 as the first international health-related awareness day, World AIDS Day has since served as a global call for informed action, early diagnosis, destigmatization and equitable care.

What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS

According to recent UNAIDS data, more than 39 million people are living with HIV globally — and thanks to modern treatments, they can live full and healthy lives.

The science is encouraging. Antiretroviral therapy (ART/ARVs) allows people on treatment to reach undetectable viral loads, which means they cannot transmit the virus (“Undetectable = Untransmittable”).

Yet despite this progress, new infections still occur — mainly in communities facing social exclusion, economic hardship, or limited access to healthcare services. At the same time, lack of information and persistent stigma remain major barriers that delay testing and treatment.

HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection

The link between HIV and several forms of cancer isn’t widely known, yet it is significant:

  • People living with HIV have a higher risk of cervical cancer due to the more persistent presence of HPV.
  • Increased risk is also observed for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and several cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
  • Early diagnosis, continuous treatment and regular screening significantly reduce these risks.

At Kapa3, we have published articles on the importance of screening and patient empowerment, which you can find here: Article1, Article2, Article3, Article4, Article5.

The Situation in Greece

Greece has made important progress in recent years, thanks to the operation of Checkpoints, the support of NGOs and prevention structures, the spread of PrEP, and improved access to treatment.

In 2024, Greece recorded a small decrease (4%) in new HIV diagnoses compared to 2023, according to the Hellenic National Public Health Organization (EODY). However, underdiagnosis remains a real concern. Many people avoid timely testing due to stigma and fear of discrimination.

Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do

  • Testing: a simple test can save lives.
  • Condom use & comprehensive sexual education.
  • PrEP & PEP: modern and effective prevention tools.
  • Eliminating stigma: information and open dialogue remain our strongest forms of protection.
  • Supporting facilities that provide access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
A Human Rights Issue

At Kapa3, we believe World AIDS Day concerns all of us. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right. No one should be afraid to get tested, speak openly or seek support.

According to International Human Rights Law, discrimination based on HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health status (including substance use), or sex work constitutes a violation of human rights.

World AIDS Day reminds us that knowledge, prevention and solidarity save lives — and that a world without new HIV infections is possible.

Sources

  • UNAIDS
  • HIV.gov
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • EODY (Hellenic National Public Health Organization)

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

 

 

World Diabetes Day – November 14

World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14, reminding us of the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and proper management of the disease.

The date was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting, the Canadian scientist who discovered insulin in 1921 — a breakthrough that transformed millions of lives around the world.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood glucose. There are two main types: Type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas, and Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to risk factors such as obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity.

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented; however, with proper management, modern treatments and the right support, people living with it can enjoy a completely normal and active life.

Prevention Tips for Type 2 Diabetes

In Greece, the number of people living with diabetes continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need for prevention, especially for Type 2 diabetes. Education and early diagnosis can significantly reduce complications. Emotional support from family and friends also improves quality of life.

In addition, good diabetes management requires both knowledge and daily habits. For example, small actions can make a real difference. Maintain a balanced diet low in sugar and fats. Exercise regularly. Schedule checkups, monitor blood sugar. And last but not least, make to care for your mental well-being.

In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Equally important is prevention. By following a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a stable weight, you can greatly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, World Diabetes Day reminds us that prevention begins with small, everyday choices. Let’s take care of ourselves, stay informed and support those around us. Because health is a priority and an act of love for life itself.

At Kapa3, we believe that information and support should be accessible to everyone. Through meaningful community initiatives, open communication and genuine care for people, we stand beside those facing chronic conditions — today and every day.

Sources:

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

World Pancreatic Cancer Day – 13 November

Every November, World Pancreatic Cancer Day reminds us that behind every statistic there is a life—a life often challenged by one of the most silent yet aggressive forms of cancer.

According to the latest data from the World Health Organization and GLOBOCAN 2022, pancreatic cancer accounts for over 510,000 new cases and 467,000 deaths every year globally.
In Greece, the disease now ranks among the top five cancers in women and the top seven in men, with incidence steadily increasing in recent decades.

Early detection remains a major challenge, as symptoms—such as persistent abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, or jaundice—often emerge only in advanced stages. Yet prevention can make a difference: avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and having regular medical check‑ups are all key steps in protecting pancreatic health.

The disease may also present with digestive changes or the sudden onset of diabetes without obvious cause—signals that warrant prompt attention.

Today is not just about raising awareness—it’s also about supporting patients and their families. With more knowledge, open communication with doctors, and access to specialized care, we can make a difference.

At KAPA3, we join the global community to emphasise that every story matters, and that prevention and early diagnosis can save lives.

Sources:

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for KAPA3