Category: Kapa3

Kapa3 in the First Half of March: Actions, Collaborations, and Updates for Oncology Patients

During the first half of March, Kapa3 continued to highlight important topics concerning the oncology patient support, rights, and daily lives  through initiatives, collaborations, and informational activities.

Efforts focused both on strengthening access to information and services, and on promoting practical and digital tools that make patients’ daily lives easier.

In an environment where patients’ needs remain complex and constantly evolving, reliable information, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders, and the promotion of holistic care are especially important.

Below is a summary of the main developments from the month.

Collaborations

Key partnerships were strengthened with the Sarcoma Fighters Patients Association, the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS), and Doctor Homie, aiming to enhance information, support, and quality care for patients.

Actions & Presentations

Kapa3 participated in the scientific meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Breakthroughs,” emphasizing the pivotal role of supportive care for oncology patients, while also presenting recent developments addressing their evolving needs. Kapa3 also attented the event “Facing the Challenge of Artificial Intelligence” as we remain focused on supporting dialogue around the opportunities and challenges of A.I.

Patient Rights

Supporting oncology patients remains a central goal of our initiatives. Focus was given to updates on the 2026 constant attendance allowance and improved digital access for patients to their test results.

Digital Health & Research

A new European Commission report highlights the critical role of digital health technologies in transforming healthcare systems, outlining both opportunities and challenges for the future of care.

Awareness

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, reminding everyone of the importance of prevention and early detection.

Oncology patient support remains our top priority, and we continue to monitor developments — more news will follow.

Evangeli Bista on DION TV: Social Support and Kapa3’s Role in Guiding Oncology Patients

On March 19, 2026, Evangeli Bista, Co-founder of Kapa3, gave an interview to Christos Thanasainas, journalist and Scientific Director of Forlife Clinic, on Central Macedonia’s DION TV, during the daily program All About Health, which covers topics on health, nutrition, autoimmune diseases, and recent scientific developments.

The discussion highlighted the importance of social support for cancer patients and their families, both inside and outside the hospital, as well as the critical role of Kapa3 in guiding and providing holistic support to patients.

WHAT IS SOCIAL SUPPORT – TWO WORLDS:

Social support in cancer care is not a single, uniform concept. Inside the hospital, it mainly concerns assistance with the public healthcare system and bureaucratic procedures. Outside the hospital, real life begins: family, caregivers, and decisions the patient must make.

MAJOR SYSTEM CHALLENGES:

As Ms. Bista noted, hospitals face a significant shortage of social workers and related professionals. International literature suggests that there should be 10 social workers for every 2,500 residents—but this is not the case in Greece. In 92 municipalities, there is not a single social worker, while in areas where social workers exist, most are on fixed-term contracts or funded through programs (such as ESIF). The result is a maze of bureaucracy and uncertainty for the patient, who must understand medical and legal terms, make critical decisions, and manage financial consequences—often without support.

THE ROLE OF KAPA3 – SOLUTION, NOT JUST A SERVICE:

In this environment, Kapa3 provides holistic guidance and support, helping patients navigate procedural and practical issues—either independently, if they feel capable, or with active assistance from the organization at every step. Coverage is nationwide, although the complexity and fragmented structure of the system require ongoing study and time for effective support.

THE “HEAVY” MESSAGE – UNDERSTANDING VS. INFORMATION:

As Ms. Bista emphasized:

“The patient doesn’t need more information – they need understanding.”

The process is essentially behavioral: understanding reduces uncertainty, uncertainty reduces anxiety, anxiety affects behavior, and behavior determines health outcomes.

Kapa3 operates within this “maze,” offering holistic guidance and support. Intervention can be supportive, giving patients the ability to act on their own, or active, guiding them step by step. Kapa3 covers the entire country, addressing the growing needs of patients.

THE BIG CHALLENGE: “MYRTO”

“Myrto” represents Kapa3’s major initiative for 2026. After five years in oncology social support, Kapa3 addresses secondary digital exclusion with “Myrto”—a Digital Health Navigator designed to transform knowledge into practical understanding and provide real-time guidance for patients, avoiding the “chaotic wandering” through the healthcare system. The platform is currently in the study and design phase, aiming to meet the real needs of patients and their caregivers.

The interview highlighted the importance of social support, understanding over mere information, and the role of digital technology in modern oncology care. Kapa3 and Myrto strive to bring care from the hospital into patients’ daily lives through a holistic, personalized, and practical approach.

For more information and to watch the full interview, see the video on YouTube here.

(Note: Video in Greek with no English subtitles).

You can dowload our Press Release here

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3’s Contribution to the 6th Nursing Symposium of Western Macedonia: Digital Health, Empathy, and Patient Navigation

With active participation in a well-established scientific meeting on contemporary nursing issues, Kapa3 took part in the 6th Nursing Symposium of Western Macedonia on “Innovation and Empathy: Balancing Technology with Human Contact in Nursing”, held on March 19–20, 2026, in Ptolemaida.

The Symposium, now a key annual event for the nursing community, serves as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and highlighting the multifaceted role of nurses in modern healthcare.

As part of the thematic session “Innovation and Citizen Engagement: Creating Accessible Tools with Empathy”, Ms. Evangeli Bista, co-founder of Kapa3, joined the panel along with Ms. Pisti Krystallidou, President of the NGO WinCancer, showcasing the role of civil society in shaping contemporary, accessible healthcare services.

On March 20, Ms. Evangeli Bista and Ms. Pisti Krystallidou actively participated in the Round Table on the same theme. Ms. Krystallidou presented “Empathy in Practice: What the Caregiver Gains from Health Professionals”, highlighting the daily challenges and support needs of people caring for patients. Ms. Bista emphasized Kapa3’s role and the use of digital tools in guiding patients effectively.

During her presentation, Ms. Bista outlined how the healthcare system is transforming: from episodic care to continuous support, from hospital-centered services to daily-life integration, and from the healthcare professional as the sole source of knowledge to the patient as an active participant. In this new environment, digital health and patient navigation go beyond mere tools, focusing on the citizen’s ability to use them meaningfully in everyday life.

Special attention was given to the needs of oncology patients, who require not only access to information but also guidance through a complex healthcare system—knowing where to turn, what they are entitled to, and how to manage critical decisions in daily life. In this context, the importance of patient navigation was highlighted, a model that Kapa3 has implemented since its foundation, acting as a bridge between available services and patients’ real needs.

Finally, the digital social assistant “Myrto” was presented, serving as a single reference point for patients, facilitating access to information and services, and translating knowledge into practical, everyday support.

Kapa3’s participation in the Symposium highlighted the importance of combining technological innovation with empathy, confirming that the future of oncology care is not only about personalized treatment but also about personalized understanding of each patient’s needs.

Download our Press Release here 

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

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

Kapa3 at the Scientific Meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Disruptions” – Focusing on Supportive Care and Its Limits

At the scientific meeting “Cancer in 2026: Challenges and Disruptions”, held on March 13–14, 2026 at the Divani Caravel, Kapa3 actively contributed to discussions on supportive care for oncology patients, a critical area for improving quality of life and holistic patient support.

The meeting was organized by the Hellenic Oncology Patient Support Institute, under the chairmanship of Christos Panopoulos, and was held under the auspices of the Hellenic Cancer Society and the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists. It has become a recognized annual event for the oncology community, highlighting each year the latest challenges and rapid developments in the field.

Progress in oncology is continuous and impressive, with scientific advances steadily enhancing the possibilities for personalized treatment, while simultaneously improving patients’ quality of life and turning some forms of cancer into manageable chronic conditions.

During the two-day meeting, key developments were presented in critical areas such as precision medicine, immunotherapy, and novel therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence and molecular analysis in modern clinical practice.

Kapa3 participated in the roundtable on supportive care for oncology patients, held on Friday, March 13, represented by Ms. Evangeli Bista. She noted that attending the conference gave her the opportunity to engage with people leading initiatives in patient support and advocacy. The roundtable addressed critical topics such as the role of healthcare professionals, pain management in Greece, and the adequacy of existing care structures.

In the discussion on psychosocial support, Ms. Bista, representing Kapa3 and drawing from her daily experience with oncology patients, emphasized that addressing the challenges arising from the patient journey is particularly demanding, as the high volume of cases and the fragmentation of the healthcare and social support system create exponentially more issues to manage.

When asked whether voluntary work alone is sufficient to meet the growing needs of patients, her response was clear:

…voluntary action is a valuable and essential pillar of social support. The improvement of patients’ quality of life relies heavily on voluntary efforts that take place across the country under challenging conditions. However, it is not sufficient on its own to meet the complex and increasing needs of patients.

As highlighted during the discussion, voluntary contributions are crucial for filling gaps in the system and strengthening social protection. At the same time, a more comprehensive and institutionally supported approach is necessary. This includes:

• adequate and stable funding
• continuous training and empowerment of all stakeholders
• clear and functional legal frameworks
• a shift in mindset among healthcare professionals, patients, and administrators
• and the development of integrated policies in the field of supportive care

Kapa3’s intervention underscored the importance of psychosocial support as an integral part of oncology supportive care, promoting a more holistic, humane, and sustainable approach to patient management. As Ms. Bista noted, participating in the two-day meeting serves as a reminder that the fight to support patients requires all of us on the same side.

Update on Constant Attendance Allowance – March 2026

Based on the latest available data for March 2026, the Constant Attendance Allowance, provided through e-EFKA, has been increased and now reaches up to €845–846 per month, depending on the category and insurance status. This allowance applies to pensioners with severe disabilities or serious mobility impairments who require continuous assistance and supervision from another person, following disability certification by the KEPAs.

The year 2026 features increases and retroactive payments in EFKA allowances, including disability benefits, aiming to strengthen support for vulnerable pensioners and reduce financial difficulties in daily life. This adjustment reflects the ongoing commitment to support pensioners with increased care needs.

Eligible Pensioners

  • Pensioners with a disability rate above 67%, for whom continuous care by another person is certified.

  • Blind elderly pensioners.

  • Survivors’ pensioners, provided the deceased had their first insurance before 1/1/1993.

Amounts and Supplements

  • For those insured before 1/1/1993, the supplement reaches 50% of the pension, up to €671.40.

  • For those insured from 1/1/1993 onwards, the amount is €173.34.

  • Employees may also receive an extra-institutional allowance, with a total maximum of €846.

  • At a social assistance level, the amount can reach up to €380 per month.

For public sector pensioners, the corresponding supplement is calculated at 2.5% to 4.5% of the basic lieutenant salary, depending on the degree of incapacity, and in cases of 80% or higher incapacity, the amount increases by 50%. The allowance is tax-free and protected from garnishment.

Important Note: The official decision on the adjustment is expected to be published in the Government Gazette in the coming days. Once available, the article will be updated with full details and the official Gazette reference.

This increase on the Constant Attendance Allowance, forms part of the broader adjustment of social welfare allowances for 2026, confirming the commitment to support pensioners with higher self-care needs and ensure a dignified standard of living.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

New Collaboration between Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 and the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS)

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 announces its new collaboration with the Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS), strengthening synergies between organizations active in the field of health and patient support.

This collaboration aims to develop joint initiatives that will contribute to raising awareness, promoting public information, and providing meaningful support to people living with chronic conditions, with particular focus on cancer patients and persons living with Multiple Sclerosis. Through the exchange of knowledge, experience and good practices, the two organizations seek to strengthen actions that promote equal access to information, healthcare services and social inclusion for patients.

Cancer Guidance Center – Kapa3 is dedicated to supporting people living with cancer and their caregivers by providing reliable information, practical guidance and access to benefits and services. At the same time, the organization develops initiatives that enhance patients’ awareness of their rights and promote their psychosocial empowerment. Through initiatives such as Mobile Units, digital tools and educational programmes, Kapa3 promotes a patient-centred approach to cancer care, encouraging patients to actively participate in decisions concerning their health and quality of life, while fostering collaborations with organizations working in the fields of health and social support.

The Hellenic Federation of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (HFoPwMS) is a secondary non-profit organization founded in 2008 with the aim of uniting and supporting primary associations of persons with Multiple Sclerosis across Greece, while also raising awareness about the disease among the wider public. The Federation currently brings together nine primary patient associations from across the country. HFoPwMS implements awareness and advocacy initiatives related to Multiple Sclerosis and works to ensure the equal participation of people with MS in the educational, professional, athletic and cultural life of the country. It is a member of the National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAmeA) and the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP).

Within the framework of this collaboration, the two organizations plan to develop joint initiatives such as the organization of conferences, workshops and awareness events, the implementation of information and public awareness campaigns, participation in national and European programmes, as well as the development of joint research initiatives on issues related to patients’ quality of life. The partnership will also contribute to strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge exchange among organizations active in the health sector.

This new collaboration reflects the shared vision of the two organizations to strengthen the voice of patients and promote a society that respects, supports and empowers people living with chronic conditions.

March – Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

March – Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month

March is internationally recognized as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells – immune system cells responsible for producing antibodies and defending the body against infections.

This period provides an important opportunity to raise public awareness, highlight the challenges faced by patients, and enhance understanding of the disease, early diagnosis, and the importance of access to modern treatments.

What is Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma develops in the bone marrow, when plasma cells grow uncontrollably and produce abnormal proteins. The presence of these cells can affect the production of healthy blood cells, cause bone damage, and impair the function of vital organs such as the kidneys. Although relatively rare, it is the second most common blood cancer worldwide.

The disease’s symptoms may be initially nonspecific and develop gradually. Fatigue, bone pain – especially in the spine or ribs – frequent infections, anemia, or kidney problems are some of the signs that may prompt further investigation. Early awareness and timely medical evaluation are therefore crucial for diagnosis and disease management.

Multiple Myeloma by the Numbers

Globally, the disease affects a significant number of people. According to international epidemiological data:

  • 188,000 new cases were reported worldwide in 2022

  • Approximately 121,000 people died from the disease the same year

  • It is estimated that more than 540,000 people are currently living with multiple myeloma worldwide

The disease occurs more often in older adults. Most diagnoses occur in people over 60–65 years old, and around 80% of cases are reported in individuals over 65. Experts predict that the disease’s incidence may rise in the coming decades, largely due to the aging population in many countries.

The Situation in Greece

In Greece, the exact epidemiological picture of multiple myeloma is not fully clear, as there is no comprehensive national cancer registry recording all cases systematically.

However, according to available international estimates for 2022:

  • About 763 new multiple myeloma cases were reported in the country

  • Approximately 579 deaths were attributed to the disease

  • It is estimated that around 2,154 people in Greece are living with the disease over a five-year period

These figures highlight the importance of improving health data collection and continuously supporting patients living with the disease.

Advances in Treatments

In recent years, scientific progress has significantly changed the course of the disease.

Modern therapies include:

  • Immunotherapies

  • Monoclonal antibodies

  • Proteasome inhibitors

  • Immunomodulatory drugs

  • CAR‑T cell therapies (for advanced stages of the disease)

New therapeutic combinations and ongoing clinical studies are providing more treatment options, reinforcing hope for even more effective therapies in the future.

The Importance of Awareness and Support

Despite these advancements, public awareness and support for people living with the disease remain crucial. Early diagnosis, access to specialized medical care, and equitable access to modern therapies are key factors in improving disease outcomes and patients’ quality of life.

Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that knowledge, research, and collective effort can make a difference. Through education, support for scientific research, and assistance to patients and their families, we can help create an environment where no one faces cancer alone.

Sources:

https://gco.iarc.fr
(Global Cancer Observatory – International Agency for Research on Cancer)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39658225/
(Global burden and projections of multiple myeloma)

https://www.oecd.org/health/cancer-profiles/greece.html
(EU Country Cancer Profile – Greece)

https://ehoonline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40164-025-00684-x
(Global epidemiology of multiple myeloma)

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3627436/
(Multiple myeloma epidemiology study)

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 Participation in the 3rd “Mapping the Unknown in Oncology” Conference

Kapa3 actively participated in the conference “Mapping the Unknown in Oncology – From Hospitals to Homes, mapping the future of oncology care”, organized for its third year by the Medical Society for Research and Education under the auspices of HeSMO (Hellenic Society of Medical Oncologists) and the Hellenic Cancer Society, held on February 27–28, 2026 at the Golden Age Hotel in Athens.

During the events on Saturday, February 28, Ms. Evangelí Bista, Head of Operations and Development at the Kapa3 Cancer Patient Guidance Center, took part in the panel titled “e-Health Tools and Educational Platforms: New Paths for Doctors and Patients.” The panel was moderated by Ms. Z. Saridaki and included panelists G. Koukourakis, S. Peroukidis, F. Tyligadas, and Ch. Christodoulou.

In her presentation, titled “Digital Patient Education: The Patient as an Active Partner,” Ms. Bista highlighted the importance of digital transformation in healthcare, which shifts care from episodic to continuous support, moving healthcare from hospitals into patients’ daily lives and empowering patients to become active participants in managing their health.

In this context, Kapa3 announced that for 2026 it will be the only civil society organization fully integrating AI, cybersecurity, and high-performance computing into its processes and services, implementing:

  • An AI-powered digital assistant (chatbot) for immediate patient guidance and support

  • A voice-command system for website accessibility and text-to-speech conversion

  • Service redesign, simplifying processes and reducing bureaucracy

  • An AI-based recommendation system with usage data analysis to personalize services

Special emphasis was placed on patient navigation, as oncology patients need guidance: where to go, what they are entitled to, when to be concerned, and when to wait. Kapa3 addresses this gap, providing not just information but meaningful, personalized guidance within the healthcare system.

The goal is not to add another service but to unite existing services. The next evolution of this model is Myrto, the digital assistant that serves as a reference point, translating knowledge into daily action.

Because the future of oncology is not only personalized treatment but also personalized understanding.

Kapa3’s participation underscores the organization’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ethics, demonstrating how technology can significantly enhance the experience and care of oncology patients.

 

 

Kapa3 at Athens Digital Health Week 2026 – The Role of Patient Digital Navigators in Healthcare Digital Transformation

As part of Athens Digital Health Week 2026, Kapa3, as a new member of the Hellenic Digital Health Cluster (HDHC), participated in the closed members and partners meeting as well as the panel discussion titled “Synergies to Bridge the Needs of Healthcare Services in Digital Transformation,” presenting the role of patient digital navigators and exploring how digital technologies can strengthen a patient-centered healthcare system.

The discussion focused on a key question: how can available digital solutions effectively address the real needs of the healthcare and social care system?

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of interoperability, evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and comparability, as well as connecting research and governance, promoting equality, and considering the impact of artificial intelligence in the modern healthcare ecosystem.

Kapa3 was represented by Evangeli Bista, who highlighted the critical role of patient organizations in successfully integrating digital technologies into the care journey.

As she noted:

“Digital health is not only about developing technological solutions, but about their meaningful integration into the patient’s care journey. Civil society organizations (patients, caregivers, friends, professionals) can play a crucial role as adoption partners, contributing to design, implementation, and evaluation. Through collaboration within the Cluster, an ecosystem is strengthened where innovation translates into real accessibility and continuity of care with maximum social impact. For the Cancer Patients Guidance Center – Kapa3, developing its role as patient digital navigators can only happen through such synergies.”

The panel also included representatives from Affidea Greece, Gnomon Informatics SA, and REA Maternity & Gynecology Clinic, who contributed their expertise to a productive dialogue on aligning technology, clinical practice, and data governance.

During the closed meeting, the need to strengthen joint research initiatives, interoperability, and systematic collaboration among ecosystem members was emphasized, ensuring that innovation translates into measurable value for both patients and the healthcare system.

For Kapa3, developing its role in the digital health ecosystem as patient digital navigators is a strategic priority. Through such collaborations, patient organizations are empowered to actively contribute to a more transparent, equitable, and truly patient-centered healthcare system, where technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than an end in itself.

Download our Press Release in pdf or word