Category: Kapa3

MYRTO evolves: from information to meaningful navigation

The new version of MYRTO, Kapa3’s digital assistant for people affected by cancer and their caregivers, is now live.

This update is more than a technical upgrade. It represents another step towards a different model of digital support: moving from simply providing information to supporting understanding, guidance and navigation.

For people facing cancer, the challenge is not always a lack of information. Very often, the real difficulty is understanding which information applies to them and what they need to do next.

From information to the next step

The cancer journey involves much more than diagnosis and treatment. Patients and families may also need to navigate social rights and benefits, disability assessment, transportation, employment issues, psychosocial support and communication with multiple health and public services.

Information may be available, but it is often fragmented, complex or difficult to turn into action.

This is where navigation becomes essential.

It means supporting people to access, understand, evaluate and use the information they need.

MYRTO was developed with this principle in mind: transforming complex and fragmented information into guidance that is easier to understand and act upon.

What is new in MYRTO

The renewed version offers a more direct and accessible user experience.

Users can interact by text or voice, listen to responses, choose between Greek and English, and adjust text size. Suggested topics also help people who may not know how to begin or how to formulate their question.

Particular attention is given to the sources behind the information. MYRTO follows a source-grounded and human-supervised AI approach: Artificial Intelligence supports the retrieval and organisation of information, while reliability, transparency and human oversight remain central to its design.

Technology does not replace people

MYRTO is not a doctor and does not provide personalised medical advice. It does not replace social workers, psychologists, nurses or other healthcare professionals.

Its role is to reduce complexity, support orientation and help people move closer to the appropriate information, service or human support.

The same approach applies to caregivers, who often become care coordinators, information managers and navigators of rights and services. MYRTO is also designed with their needs in mind, recognising caregivers as an essential part of the cancer journey.

Accessibility, trust and data protection

At Kapa3, we believe that digital innovation is meaningful only when it remains accessible and inclusive.

For this reason, the renewed MYRTO places emphasis on plain language, voice interaction and features that can support people with different levels of digital and health literacy.

Users are also informed about the processing of their data and the use of Artificial Intelligence, with separate consent choices and the possibility to request data deletion.

Trust in a digital health tool is not only about the answers it provides. It is also about how it works, which sources it relies on and how it respects the people who use it.

“What do I need to do next?”

Perhaps this single question best captures the philosophy behind MYRTO:

“What do I need to do next?”

A person facing cancer should not have to know in advance which organisation is responsible, where the right information is located or which administrative process needs to be followed.

They should be able to express their need and receive guidance that is reliable, understandable, accessible and human-supported.

This is the direction of the renewed MYRTO.

From information to understanding.
From understanding to navigation.
And from navigation to the next step.

Find more :

https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com

 

MYRTO: From Real-World Needs to European Scientific Engagement

MYRTO, the digital Social Rights Navigator developed by Kapa3, is taking an important step from real-world experience to the European scientific community, with two studies accepted for presentation at EONS and ESMO events in 2026.

The first study, “MYRTO as an AI-Supported Navigation Model for Equitable Access to Cancer Care: Real-World Needs from 1,083 Beneficiaries”, will be presented as a poster at EONS19 at ESMO 2026 in Madrid, 24–26 October 2026.

The study draws on the real-world needs of 1,083 Kapa3 beneficiaries, identifying eight key navigation areas: rights and benefits, disability certification and administrative procedures, access to health and social services, transportation and geographical barriers, employment and social protection, health and digital literacy, caregiver support, and referral to human professionals when needed.

The findings highlight that equitable access to cancer care is not only about clinical information. It also depends on people’s ability to find, understand and use reliable information during an exceptionally demanding period of their lives.

From real-world needs to technology evaluation

The second study, “Source-Based Artificial Intelligence (AI) Navigation for Fragmented Nonclinical Cancer-Support Information: Pilot Evaluation of a Human-Supervised System”, has been accepted as an e-Poster at the ESMO AI & Digital Oncology Congress 2026, taking place on 16–18 November 2026.

This study focuses on the operation and evaluation of MYRTO as a source-grounded, human-supervised AI system.

The pilot evaluation drew on 448 authoritative documents and 29,148 indexed excerpts and assessed 100 predefined questions. For all 84 answerable questions, source-supported and actionable responses were generated without modifications following Kapa3 expert review. The system also applied clarification, abstention or redirection mechanisms when evidence was insufficient or when questions involved medical advice or fell outside its intended scope.

Two studies, one shared philosophy

The two studies reflect complementary dimensions of MYRTO: the real-world needs that led to its development and the way technology is being designed to respond to those needs through evidence, clear boundaries and human supervision.

For Kapa3, Artificial Intelligence is not intended to replace human support. Its role is to contribute to more accessible, understandable and trustworthy navigation, while keeping people at the centre.

MYRTO’s presence at two major European scientific events represents another step in bringing Kapa3’s field experience into the European dialogue on equitable access, digital health and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

The MYRTO project is funded by the TIMA Charitable Foundation.

Find more about MYRTO https://kapa3-cag-rag-hybrid-deploy.onrender.com

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)

May, Melanoma Awareness Month: Prevention, awareness and early diagnosis

May is internationally recognized as Melanoma Awareness Month and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about prevention, sun protection, and the importance of early diagnosis.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, with melanoma being its most aggressive form. Although it accounts for a smaller proportion of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths.

Globally, in 2020 there were approximately 325,000 new cases of melanoma and around 57,000 deaths, with numbers expected to rise in the coming years if prevention and awareness efforts are not strengthened.

In Europe, melanoma remains one of the most common cancers, with more than 100,000 new cases annually and over 15,000 deaths each year. The incidence is higher in Northern and Western European countries, while overall UV radiation exposure is considered the main contributing factor for the majority of cases.

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources such as tanning beds, is the most significant risk factor for melanoma. Many cases could be prevented through proper sun protection and behavioral changes.

In countries like Greece, where sunlight exposure is high throughout much of the year, awareness and prevention are especially important. Regular skin self-examinations and dermatological check-ups can play a key role in identifying suspicious changes in moles (naevi) at an early stage.

Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates. When detected in its initial stages, melanoma is highly treatable, whereas delayed diagnosis is associated with more aggressive disease progression. This highlights the critical importance of awareness and timely medical evaluation.

Preventive measures remain essential: using sunscreen, avoiding peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding artificial tanning can all significantly reduce risk.

Melanoma Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that skin health is not only an aesthetic concern but a vital part of overall health and cancer prevention.

Read also Kapa3’s article on Bladder Cancer Awareness Month.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) – GLOBOCAN
  • European Cancer Information System (ECIS)
  • European Environment Agency (EEA)

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month: Awareness, prevention and early diagnosis

May is internationally recognized as Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, an important initiative led by health organizations and patient advocacy groups worldwide to promote public awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis.

Bladder cancer is among the most common types of cancer globally, with hundreds of thousands of new cases diagnosed each year. In Europe, it is considered one of the most common urological cancers, affecting men significantly more often than women.

In Greece, the data remains particularly concerning. The country records the highest incidence rate in Southern Europe, with approximately 39.7 new cases per 100,000 men annually. In terms of mortality, an estimated 7–8 men per 100,000 lose their lives to the disease every year, placing Greece among the countries with the highest mortality rates in the region. These figures highlight the importance of prevention, awareness, and timely medical intervention.

Behind every statistic are people — patients and families facing the emotional, physical, and practical challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Raising awareness is therefore not only about numbers, but also about supporting individuals throughout their journey.

Smoking remains the most significant risk factor for bladder cancer and is linked to a large percentage of cases. Long-term exposure to certain chemicals, especially in specific occupational environments, as well as chronic inflammation of the urinary tract, may also increase the risk of developing the disease.

Recognizing the symptoms early can make a critical difference. The most common warning sign is blood in the urine (hematuria), even when no pain is present. Other symptoms may include frequent urination, burning during urination, or a sudden urge to urinate. Although these symptoms may also be associated with less serious conditions, they should never be ignored.

When bladder cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, survival rates are significantly higher, underlining the importance of early detection. However, the disease is also known for its high recurrence rates, making long-term follow-up and monitoring essential even after treatment.

Prevention remains a key pillar in reducing the burden of the disease. Quitting smoking, limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, and increasing awareness of the symptoms can all contribute to lowering the risk.

In Greece, awareness initiatives are also supported by scientific organizations such as the Hellenic Genito-Urinary Cancer Group (HGUCG), contributing to public education and the promotion of early symptom recognition.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to encourage open discussion around the disease. Awareness is more than information — it is a tool that can lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and ultimately, more lives saved.

Sources:

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

EOPYY: New reimbursement framework for respiratory devices – What changes for patients

The reimbursement of respiratory devices under EOPYY has been updated through a new decision published in the Government Gazette (FEK) on April 27, 2026.

On April 27, 2026, a new EOPYY decision was published in the Government Gazette, establishing revised reimbursement prices for respiratory devices such as CPAP, Auto CPAP, and BiPAP machines.

These are medical devices primarily used by patients with respiratory disorders, including sleep apnoea, and they represent a fundamental part of daily treatment and quality of life.

EOPYY reimbursement for respiratory devices: what changes

With this regulation:

  • specific reimbursement prices are defined for each category of respiratory device
  • the prices apply to all products included in the Reimbursed Medical Devices Register
  • previous decisions for the same categories are replaced

Prices are unified per device category, regardless of manufacturer or commercial model.

What this means for patients

The new EOPYY reimbursement framework for respiratory devices provides a clearer structure for people living with respiratory conditions who depend on these devices in their daily lives:

  • it clarifies what is covered by EOPYY
  • it strengthens transparency regarding equipment costs
  • it ensures access to essential therapeutic tools that are not a choice, but a necessity

In some cases, a patient co-payment may apply when the device price exceeds the reimbursement amount.

Temporary nature of the regulation

The decision is considered temporary, as it is part of a transitional framework until the completion of the negotiation process for final pricing.

Nevertheless, it is fully applicable from the moment of its publication in the Government Gazette and constitutes the current reimbursement framework.

A more human perspective

Behind technical terms, codes, and regulatory tables, there are people who rely on these devices to breathe better, sleep better, and maintain a more stable daily life.

A clear reimbursement framework is not merely an administrative measure. It helps reduce uncertainty in situations that are already difficult to manage.

Source

The full text of the decision, along with the detailed list of reimbursed respiratory devices and corresponding prices, is available (in Greek) in the Government Gazette (FEK) of April 27, 2026.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Additional Rebate on High-Cost Medicines for 2025: What the New Decision Foresees

 

 

 

Kapa3 swims for life, hope and strength

On May 24, 2026, Kapa3 will participate in the 4th Vouliagmeni Summer Open Water Swim, organized by the Nautical Club of Vouliagmeni, inviting friends, athletes, and swimmers to join the team and swim together for an important cause.

In light of June being recognized worldwide as Cancer Survivors Month, and Cancer Survivors Day being observed every year on the first Sunday of June, we come together in an initiative dedicated to life, hope, remembrance, and support.

We swim for those who survived.
We swim for those currently facing cancer.
We swim in memory of those we have lost.
We swim to remind everyone that no one is alone in the cancer journey.

Cancer survivorship is not only a medical outcome. It is an ongoing journey closely connected to prevention, early diagnosis, equal access to oncology care, rehabilitation, psychosocial support, and quality of life.

Recognizing the positive impact of physical activity on wellbeing, empowerment, and the smooth reintegration of people with cancer experience into social, family, and professional life, Kapa3 proudly takes part in a celebration of sports, the sea, and community participation.

Participants may choose one of the following swimming routes:

  • 1,000 m
  • 2,500 m
  • 5,000 m

We invite you to become part of our team.
To swim together.
To turn every meter in the sea into a message of strength, care, and hope.

On May 24, we swim with Kapa3 for life.

INFORMATION – REGISTRATIONS

Katerina Georgiopoulou
Social Worker

CANCER GUIDANCE CENTER, KAPA 3,
13 Kosti Palama Street, Athens 11141, Greece – 3rd Floor
Tel: +30 210 52 21 424 & +30 6906265170 (09:00–17:00)
Email: info@kapa3.gr

MELODIC Online Symposium: completion of the pilot training phase and strengthening psychosocial cancer care

The European project MELODIC (Mental Health Support for Young Adults with Cancer), in which the Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 participates, is being implemented through distinct development phases. The pilot training programme for healthcare professionals is one of its core components, and within this framework, the MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, taking place on 24 April 2026, marks the completion of this educational phase.

The MELODIC project framework

MELODIC is a European project co-funded by the European Union, aiming to strengthen the mental health of young adults living with cancer, as well as to support their families. Through the collaboration of universities, research institutions and healthcare organizations across Europe, the project develops training and support tools for healthcare professionals.

More information about the project and its progress is available on the official Kapa3 website, in the dedicated project section.

The pilot training programme

The pilot training programme focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of healthcare professionals in providing psychosocial support to young adults with cancer and their families.

As part of the programme, online sessions and contact lessons were delivered, aiming to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and support the practical application of tools in everyday clinical practice.

MELODIC Online Symposium 2026

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026, a two-hour event, brings together participants from all partner countries and includes:

  • opening presentations from the European Cancer Organisation and Youth Cancer Europe
  • an “experts by experience” panel, where individuals share their lived experience
  • a networking panel with healthcare professionals from participating countries
  • discussion on how training can be applied in clinical practice
  • a closing session by the project coordination team

From training to clinical practice

A key objective of the MELODIC training programme is to strengthen the psychosocial dimension of cancer care, with particular focus on young adults.

The exchange of experiences among healthcare professionals contributes to more holistic approaches to care and supports the integration of psychosocial support into daily clinical practice.

The role of Kapa3

Kapa3 actively participates in the European MELODIC consortium, contributing to the implementation of the training activities and the dissemination of results in Greece. Through this involvement, the connection between scientific knowledge and the support of cancer patients is further strengthened, promoting the development of practical approaches to psychosocial care.

The MELODIC Online Symposium 2026 marks the transition from the pilot training phase to the next stage of utilizing its outcomes, reinforcing the link between education and real-world application in cancer care.

The Press Release here: PRESS-RELEASE-MELODIC SYMPOSIUM

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Research studies giving voice to lived experience

At Kapa3, we actively encourage participation in health research studies, as we work every day alongside people affected by cancer, whether as patients or caregivers. Through this work, it becomes increasingly clear how important it is to truly listen to lived experience.

For this reason, the research initiatives we support or contribute to are not just questionnaires. They are a way to better understand the needs, experiences and priorities of the community we serve.

Through participation in these studies, individuals who are at the centre of the cancer experience are given the opportunity to share their reality. Every response, every story, every contribution adds another piece to a broader picture: a more meaningful and human-centred approach to care and support.

The contribution of each participant is highly valuable. The data collected helps us identify needs that are often not visible, better understand challenges, and design actions that reflect the real everyday lives of people.

Through participation in health research studies, lived experience can be transformed into knowledge that makes a real difference. Each study we support is part of a broader effort to understand the experiences of patients and caregivers.

Below you will find the current research studies open for participation, organised by target audience.

Each health research study includes a short description of its purpose and how participation contributes to the overall research effort.

For healthcare professionals

Patient safety culture in hospitals

A pilot study focused on the translation and adaptation of the international SOPS® Hospital Survey 2.0 developed by the AHRQ, adapted for the Greek hospital setting.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clarity, comprehension and suitability of the tool through the participation of healthcare professionals working in hospital environments.

The study also includes a test–retest phase to assess the stability of responses over time.

Participation: https://forms.gle/Jev7mQ95vt1swtXF7

For research networks and collaborations

sleepCare – sleep quality assessment

The sleepCare research initiative, in collaboration with Christos Frantzidis (University of Lincoln) and his research team, explores sleep quality through real-life experiences and self-reported data from participants.

The aim is to better understand the factors that influence sleep in everyday life through anonymous data collection and short questionnaires.

English questionnaire: https://lnkd.in/e7wYjspX
Greek questionnaire: https://lnkd.in/ejbjGQPC
Platform: https://lnkd.in/e7YHUXdi

For breast cancer survivors

Survivorship experience and quality of life

A thesis-based research study examining fear of cancer recurrence, quality of life, and the role of social support among breast cancer survivors in Greece.

The aim is to better understand post-treatment experiences and the factors that influence psychosocial well-being.

Participation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUgku0yi7LBGg42v_FeKtzVsj5F5uw8hYr-y-hcVKL-fhoeQ/viewform

For patients with respiratory conditions and caregivers

Lung transplantation experiences in Greece

A nationwide study collecting experiences, needs and perspectives of patients with respiratory conditions and their caregivers regarding lung transplantation.

The aim is to capture lived experience across all stages of the disease in order to improve care pathways and healthcare services.

The study is open to patients with respiratory conditions (transplanted or not) as well as their caregivers.

Participation: https://forms.gle/66h4CQJK3pdr1gKK7
Information: https://www.cysticfibrosis.gr/draseis/lung-transplant-working-group/

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3