Category: HEALTH

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.

Shining the light on medical gaslighting and its impact on patient safety

This descriptive review, published in the Archives of Hellenic Medicine (Volume 42, Issue 5, Sept–Oct 2025), explores the concept of medical “gaslighting” and its potential impact on patient safety, such as missed, delayed, or inadequate diagnoses, delayed treatment, and suboptimal health outcomes, resulting from healthcare professionals’ failure to interact effectively with their patients.

“Gaslighting” is recognized as a form of emotional and psychological abuse that does not involve physical harm but can instill feelings of fear, isolation, or loss of control in the victim.

What is Medical Gaslighting

In medical gaslighting, persistent distortions, misunderstandings, manipulation of reality, treating patients as scapegoats, and coercion are key techniques used by “gaslighters,” creating confusion and distress in patients.

Medical gaslighting is a covert form of manipulation with serious consequences, where gaslighters often display narcissistic or antisocial personality traits to reinforce their authority.

Certain groups may be particularly vulnerable to this behavior, including individuals who are overweight, elderly, or living with mental or physical health conditions, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black, Indigenous, or other people of color.

Profiles of Gaslighters and Gaslightees

Gaslighters use manipulation to assert and maintain power, often undermining the confidence of their victims.

Patients who experience medical gaslighting may face delayed diagnosis and treatment, as well as negative effects on both mental and physical health.

Signs of Medical Gaslighting

  • Ignoring or downplaying patients’ symptoms and concerns
  • Refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue or paying insufficient attention to the patient
  • Misleading the patient into believing that their symptoms are psychological (e.g., “it’s all in your head”)
  • Failing to provide referrals or necessary tests
  • Imposing a single treatment option, typically the one they recommend

How Patients Can Protect Themselves

Empowering patients and encouraging active participation in their care are central to avoiding gaslighting.

Strategies include:

  • Requesting sufficient time for discussion with the healthcare provider
  • Preparing questions before the appointment
  • Recording details and taking notes
  • Being accompanied by a trusted person
  • Open and honest communication

Awareness of medical gaslighting is crucial for preventing misdiagnosis and improving health outcomes. The more patients know about their rights and have self-care tools, the better they are equipped to handle instances of gaslighting.

You can read the review here 

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/

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When Violence Meets Burnout: What Turkish Doctors and Nurses Reveal

The study, published in International Nursing Review (2025), examines the impact of violence perpetrated by patients and visitors against healthcare professionals in Türkiye. It was conducted by researchers from Izmir Tinaztepe University, Tekirdag Namik Kemal University, and Izmir University of Economics.

A total of 387 physicians and nurses participated, with the aim of assessing how workplace violence influences burnout and whether fear of future violence acts as a mediating factor. In this context, violence can manifest verbally (shouting, threats, insults), physically (pushing, hitting, even more severe incidents), or psychologically (intimidation, pressure).

Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the researchers analyzed the effects of violence on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment.

Key findings of the study include:

  • Violence increases burnout: Exposure to violence significantly heightens emotional exhaustion and depersonalization.

  • Unexpected resilience: In some cases, exposure reduces diminished personal accomplishment, suggesting identity reinforcement or coping mechanisms.

  • Fear of future violence: While not strongly linked to exhaustion or depersonalization, it lowers feelings of accomplishment.

  • Profession-specific differences: Nurses report far higher levels of direct violence, exhaustion, and depersonalization, while physicians show greater fear of future violence but stronger accomplishment.

  • Policy–practice gap: Despite existing legislation in Türkiye, healthcare staff feel insufficiently supported.

  • Cultural factors: Normalization of violence, patriarchal norms, and stigma affect both experiences and reporting.

  • Solutions: Organizational support, violence-prevention training, and simulation-based programs reduce fear and burnout, while structural reforms (e.g., shorter waiting times) help alleviate patient frustration.

A Call for Change:
Workplace violence is a serious occupational hazard for healthcare workers. It leads to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishment, with varying intensity across professions. Addressing it requires not only laws but also meaningful organizational, cultural, and systemic interventions to protect professionals and improve patient care.

Read more on the research 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

Palliative Care in Cancer: Ensuring Quality of Life Alongside Treatment

Palliative Care in Cancer: Ensuring Quality of Life Alongside Treatment

The editorial underlines the vital role of palliative care in cancer management. While advances in oncology have improved survival, many patients still face significant physical, emotional, and social challenges. Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and anxiety, while also supporting families and caregivers.

Research shows that early integration of palliative care improves patients’ quality of life, helps them tolerate demanding treatments, and even extends survival in some cases. It also facilitates better communication between patients and healthcare providers and reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and costs.

Despite this evidence, palliative care remains underused, often mistaken for end-of-life care only. In Greece, until recently it was not formally part of the National Health System, and existing services remain limited. However, the 2022 legal framework and the position paper of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology stress the urgent need for wider integration, more training for oncologists, and stronger policy support.

Ultimately, oncology success should not be measured only in survival rates but also in ensuring dignity, comfort, and holistic support for patients throughout their journey.

Read more care

Melodic, A New European Project Supporting the Mental Health of Young Adults with Cancer

At Kapa3, we know that healing goes far beyond the body. A cancer diagnosis in young
adulthood — just as life is beginning to unfold — often leaves deep emotional marks. That’s
why we’re proud to participate in MELODIC, a new European initiative dedicated to
supporting the mental health of young adults (18–30) living with or after cancer.

The project Melodic brings together 13 partners from 6 European countries, including patient organizations, universities, and healthcare experts. Coordinated by Turku University of Applied Sciences (Finland), MELODIC aims to co-design innovative digital tools, peer
support models, and educational workshops that reflect the actual needs and voices of
young people affected by cancer.

Kapa3 joined the project in 2024, and our role is to bring Greek patients’ perspectives to
the table while also ensuring that everything we co-create reaches the people who need it
most — especially here in Greece.

We believe that mental well-being is not a luxury, but a vital part of cancer care. Over the next two years, we’ll be working closely with survivors, caregivers, professionals, and youth groups to build safe spaces for expression, support, and growth.

Want to learn more? Visit our website and check out the new MELODIC subpage to see how
we’re working to make a difference — and how you can get involved.

Together, we can make mental health care more humane, inclusive, and empowering.
Because no one should face cancer — or life after it — alone.

Read more on Melodic project: Melodic Project Mental Health on YAC

 

A Different Chemotherapy Approach for Ovarian Cancer

OVARIAN CANCER that spreads to the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, is difficult to treat. Patients with this advanced cancer typically undergo debulking, also called cytoreductive surgery, a lengthy procedure in which surgeons aim to remove all cancer from the abdominal cavity and affected organs, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes as well as the bladder, colon and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In recent years, researchers have looked at the efficacy of using hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which is heated chemotherapy delivered directly to the peritoneum, to destroy remaining cancer cells immediately after debulking surgery.

Scientists in Belgium and the Netherlands published long-term data from OVHIPEC-1, a randomized phase III trial to evaluate adding HIPEC to interval cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer, in the October 2023 Lancet Oncology. (In interval surgery, chemotherapy is given to shrink the cancer prior to surgery.) The study enrolled 245 women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer whose cancer showed no signs of progression after upfront chemotherapy. Researchers randomly assigned women to have debulking surgery alone, or surgery plus HIPEC using the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. After 10 years, median overall survival for the surgery-plus-HIPEC group was 44.9 months versus 33.3 months for the surgery group. Median progression-free survival was 14.3 months and 10.7 months, respectively. The rates of adverse events were similar—25% with surgery alone versus 27% with surgery plus HIPEC—and the most common events were abdominal pain, infection and slowed bowel function.

These results are in line with the researchers’ five-year analysis, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018. In that analysis, 6.6% of patients in the surgery group had survived without progression at five years, compared with 12.3% in the surgery-plus-HIPEC group. At 10 years, 6.6% of the people who received surgery were alive with no progression versus 10.1% in the surgery-plus-HIPEC group. While surgery plus HIPEC did not result in better cure rates, the authors note that it significantly prolonged the time cancer was controlled. “The most important finding is that the benefit for patients with stage III ovarian carcinoma when interval cytoreductive surgery is combined with HIPEC remains present after a 10-year follow up,” says Willemien van Driel, lead author and a gynecologic oncologist at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam, who notes that patients in both arms of the study received similar treatment after subsequent recurrences.

Van Driel says that there is still variation in the use of HIPEC along with cytoreductive surgery. European guidelines published in October 2023 note that HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery should not be considered a standard of care. In the U.S., National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines state that HIPEC can be considered for patients with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer.

Van Driel and her colleagues are now enrolling patients in the OVHIPEC-2 trial, which will study the effect of adding HIPEC in women with stage III ovarian cancer undergoing primary surgery, which is surgery done upfront prior to chemotherapy. Other trials are evaluating HIPEC use for recurrent ovarian cancer. She notes there are several unanswered questions, including optimal dosing and temperature for HIPEC and the impact of including other drugs, such as PARP inhibitors, with this approach, since many of these drugs were not standard of care at the time of the trial.

HIPEC may be a valid choice for patients who are generally healthy and open to a longer procedure and hospital stay. Although the length of surgery plus HIPEC varies, HIPEC generally adds 90 minutes or more to debulking surgery, which itself takes several hours. Also, patients typically require a longer hospital stay for recovery, possibly with intravenous or tube feedings while the digestive system recovers. 

Find more :

A Different Chemotherapy Approach for Ovarian Cancer

New evidence that brain and body health influence mental wellbeing

The study, published in Nature Mental Health, analysed UK Biobank data from more than 18,000 individuals. Of these, 7,749 people had no major clinically-diagnosed medical or mental health conditions, while 10,334 had reported a diagnosis of either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety.

Using advanced statistical models, the researchers found a significant association between poorer organ health and higher depressive symptoms, and that the brain plays an important role in linking body health and depression.

The organ systems studied included the lungs, muscles and bones, kidneys, liver, heart, and the metabolic and immune systems.

Dr Ye Ella Tian, lead author of the study from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne, said. “Overall, we found multiple significant pathways through which poor organ health may lead to poor brain health, which may in turn lead to poor mental health.

“By integrating clinical data, brain imaging and a wide array of organ-specific biomarkers in a large population-based cohort, for the first time we were able to establish multiple pathways involving the brain as a mediating factor and through which poor physical health of body organ systems may lead to poor mental health.

“We identified modifiable lifestyle factors that can potentially lead to improved mental health through their impact on these specific organ systems and neurobiology.

“Our work provides a holistic characterisation of brain, body, lifestyle and mental health.”

Physical health was also taken into account, as well as lifestyle factors such as sleep quality, diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Professor James Cole, an author of the study from UCL Computer Science, said: “While it’s well-known in healthcare that all the body’s organs and systems influence each other, it’s rarely reflected in research studies. So, it’s exciting to see these results, as it really emphases the value in combining measures from different parts of the body together.”

Professor Andrew Zalesky, an author of the study from the Departments of Psychiatry and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, said. “This is a significant body of work because we have shown the link between physical health and depression and anxiety, and how that is partially influenced by individual changes in brain structure.

“Our results suggest that poor physical health across multiple organ systems, such as liver and heart, the immune system and muscles and bones, may lead to subsequent alterations in brain structure.

“These structural changes of the brain may lead to or exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as neuroticism.”

 

Find more : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/aug/new-evidence-brain-and-body-health-influence-mental-wellbeing?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=vpee_linkedin_newsletter&utm_content=bodyhealth_aug24

Stem Cell Therapy: A New Horizon in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. Despite advances in treatment, it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Traditional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have improved survival rates, but they often come with significant side effects and may not be effective in all cases, particularly in advanced or metastatic stages of the disease. As the medical community continues to seek more effective and less invasive treatments, stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising frontier in the fight against breast cancer.

Understanding Breast Cancer: A Global Challenge

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. The causes of breast cancer are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Early detection through screening programs like mammography has significantly improved outcomes, but the need for more effective treatments remains critical, especially for patients with aggressive or resistant forms of the disease.

Traditional treatments, while often life-saving, can have significant drawbacks. Surgery can be disfiguring and may not completely eliminate the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy and radiation, although effective at killing cancer cells, also damage healthy cells, leading to side effects like fatigue, hair loss, and compromised immune function. Moreover, some breast cancers do not respond well to these treatments, particularly triple-negative breast cancer, which lacks the hormone receptors targeted by many therapies.

This is where stem cell therapy comes into play—a novel approach that has the potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment.

Stem Cell Therapy: A New Horizon in Breast Cancer Treatment

Stem cell therapy has garnered significant attention in recent years as a potential game-changer in cancer treatment. Unlike traditional therapies that target the symptoms or manifestations of the disease, stem cell therapy aims to address the underlying causes by regenerating damaged tissues, boosting the immune system, and even targeting cancer stem cells that are believed to drive tumor growth and recurrence.

1. Understanding Stem Cells:

  • Stem cells are unique in their ability to develop into different types of cells in the body. They have the potential to repair or replace damaged tissues and can be used to regenerate healthy tissue in areas affected by cancer.
  • There are two primary types of stem cells relevant to cancer therapy: embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into any cell type, and adult stem cells, which are more limited but still hold significant therapeutic potential. In breast cancer, researchers are particularly interested in the role of cancer stem cells— a small subset of cells within tumors that are resistant to conventional treatments and are thought to be responsible for relapse and metastasis.

2. The Role of Stem Cells in Breast Cancer:

  • One of the most promising aspects of stem cell therapy in breast cancer is its potential to target cancer stem cells. These cells are thought to be the root cause of tumor growth and metastasis, and they often evade traditional therapies, leading to recurrence. By specifically targeting and eliminating these cells, stem cell therapy could significantly reduce the risk of relapse and improve long-term outcomes.
  • Additionally, stem cell therapy can be used to regenerate healthy tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. For example, adipose-derived stem cells (from fat tissue) are being explored for their ability to repair tissue damage after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, improving cosmetic outcomes and reducing the need for additional surgeries.

3. Current Research and Clinical Trials:

  • While stem cell therapy for breast cancer is still in its early stages, there have been promising developments in both preclinical and clinical research. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various stem cell-based therapies for breast cancer.
  • One area of focus is the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have shown potential in targeting breast cancer cells and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy. These stem cells can be engineered to deliver anti-cancer drugs directly to tumors, increasing the precision and effectiveness of treatment while minimizing side effects.
  • Another exciting avenue is the use of stem cells in combination with immunotherapy. By enhancing the body’s immune response to cancer, stem cells could help to overcome the immune evasion tactics used by tumors, making immunotherapy more effective.

4. Challenges and Future Directions:

  • Despite the promise of stem cell therapy, there are still significant challenges to overcome. Ensuring the safety of these therapies is paramount, as there is a risk that stem cells could promote tumor growth if not properly controlled. Moreover, the complex nature of cancer stem cells means that therapies must be precisely targeted to avoid unintended consequences.
  • The future of stem cell therapy in breast cancer will likely involve a combination of approaches, integrating stem cells with existing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. As our understanding of cancer biology continues to grow, so too will the potential of stem cell therapy to provide more effective and less toxic treatment options for breast cancer patients.

    Conclusion: A Promising Future Ahead

    The fight against breast cancer is far from over, but the advent of stem cell therapy offers a new ray of hope. As research continues to advance, this innovative approach could become a cornerstone of breast cancer treatment, offering patients more effective, personalized, and less invasive options. While challenges remain, the potential of stem cell therapy to transform breast cancer care is undeniable, and the ongoing research in this field is something that the medical community and patients alike should watch closely.

    As we move forward, it is essential to continue supporting research and clinical trials that explore the full potential of stem cell therapy in breast cancer. With continued innovation and collaboration, we may one day see a world where breast cancer is not only treatable but curable—thanks in part to the incredible power of stem cells.

    Find more : https://www.linkedin.com/company/medipocketusa/posts/?feedView=all