Category: healthcare ethics

KAPA3 at the ESMO Congress: Inspiration and Confirmation That We Are Moving Towards the Future

From October 17 to 20, we attended the ESMO World Congress in Berlin. The event stood out for the active participation of the Greek medical community, which led presentations on clinical data, Real-World Evidence, and up-to-date education in collaboration with the global oncology community. At the same time, Greek teams received awards in various areas (medical, nursing, institutional), inspiring us all with hope for the ongoing developments in oncology care.

Our main goal as KAPA3 was to focus on research addressing the real needs of the population within the framework of the global community. Collaborating with healthcare professionals from around the world allowed us to gather valuable knowledge and experiences. The intensive sessions and discussions broadened our understanding and prompted reflection on the next steps.

Key challenges identified for the patient advocacy community were:

  1. Mandatory multidisciplinary assessment before starting treatment
    No patient should begin treatment without undergoing a multidisciplinary assessment, including an oncology nurse, social scientist, and psychologist. This should be considered the minimum standard for all cancer patients.
  2. Certification and quality of multidisciplinary teams
    It is our duty to ensure that these teams meet quality standards. Their certification is undoubtedly complex. However, for us at KAPA3, multidisciplinary care is a fundamental criterion for service provision and must be certified. Quality care can significantly improve patient outcomes, as shown by clinical studies and research presented at this year’s congress, with potential improvements in overall survival of up to 10% (Sweden).

We are deeply proud that our work is guided by these standards precisely. In an era of remarkable progress in medicine and new therapies, we continue to strengthen the institution of research and multidisciplinary care, ensuring accessibility and patient-centered approaches aimed at quality of life.

This is the third time we have presented our efforts at an ESMO congress, in collaboration with the International University and the Nursing Department, highlighting our presence at every level. Meanwhile, trainings for other healthcare professionals take place annually within our organization in collaboration with Greek universities.

For Greek patients and their environment, we have not yet reached a point where the quality of care is considered a key objective for the entire oncology community. Our aim is to align with efforts across Europe so that, in the future, multidisciplinary assessments from the first day of diagnosis become standard practice within therapeutic protocols.

At KAPA3, we understand that quality care, inherently multidisciplinary, requires collective effort and collaboration between organizations and professionals to determine the best possible standards.

October 17 – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

October 17 has been established by the United Nations as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day dedicated to raising awareness and taking action against a phenomenon that continues to affect millions of people worldwide. The observance began in 1987, when thousands of citizens gathered in Paris to honor the victims of extreme poverty and advocate for a more just and equitable future for all.

Poverty is not only about lack of income—it affects access to education, healthcare, housing, employment, and mental well-being. For people living with serious or chronic illnesses, such as cancer, financial insecurity further complicates daily life, limiting access to treatments, medications, and supportive services.

According to the latest Hellenic Statistical Authority data (Income and Living Conditions Survey 2024), 26.9% of Greece’s population—approximately 2.74 million people—is at risk of poverty or social exclusion, an increase compared to the previous year. Greece ranks second in the EU after Bulgaria, highlighting the difficulty households face in coping with inflation, the energy crisis, and limited social protection.

Globally, according to the United Nations World Social Report 2025, over 690 million people live in extreme poverty (less than $2.15 per day), while 1.1 billion experience multidimensional poverty, lacking access to healthcare, education, and a decent standard of living. Social and economic crises, combined with climate change, disproportionately impact vulnerable households, increasing inequalities and reducing opportunities for stable recovery.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty also emphasizes the role of communities and decision-makers in creating inclusive systems. Addressing social determinants of health, ensuring access to essential services, and empowering vulnerable groups are critical to reducing inequalities and improving quality of life. By working together—health professionals, social organizations, and civil society—we can create a world where those facing illness are not further burdened by poverty.

At Kapa3, we firmly believe that access to quality healthcare and decent living conditions are fundamental human rights. Poverty and health are interconnected—the one can easily amplify or worsen the other. Through awareness, empowerment, and social support initiatives, we strive to contribute to a society where no one is deprived of the care they deserve, regardless of income. 

Read more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-for-eradicating-poverty

https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/3d7d2251-2302-9023-5280-a1d962c3a7a5

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 

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