Category: Kapa3

International Universal Health Coverage Day – December 12

International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is observed every year on December 12 to remind us that access to quality, affordable healthcare is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of just and sustainable societies. The United Nations established this day to strengthen global commitment so that all people, everywhere, can access the health services they need without financial hardship. (WHO)

Statistics

Universal health coverage is not just a goal. It is a central element of the United Nations  Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Despite progress in recent decades, the reality remains challenging. Approximately 4.6 billion people worldwide still lack access to essential health services. At the same time, 2.1 billion face financial hardship in accessing care. Finally 1.6 billion pushed into poverty due to health expenditures.

These statistics demonstrate that universal coverage remains far from fully achieved, with significant inequalities between countries and within societies: poorer populations, rural residents, people with lower education, and other vulnerable groups face much greater barriers to healthcare. (WHO – World Bank Report)

Situation in Greece

In Greece, although universal coverage exists in principle through the National Health System, access to care is not always equitable or complete. Only a small percentage of citizens report high satisfaction with service availability, while around 12.1% of people have unmet healthcare needs, a rate significantly higher than the OECD average. (OECD)

Out-of-pocket healthcare expenses particularly affect lower-income households. Nearly nearly 10% of households facing catastrophic health spending, forcing families to sacrifice essentials such as food or housing. (WHO – Health Care Greece)

These inequalities are not just numbers—they have real consequences for quality of life. For cancer patients, universal coverage means timely diagnosis, access to treatments, continuous monitoring, psychosocial support, and palliative care. Lack of comprehensive, accessible care can worsen disease outcomes and increase psychological and financial burden for patients and their families.

At Kapa3, we strive to ensure that no cancer patient or their loved ones feel alone. Through educational initiatives, experiential programs, psychosocial support, and guidance materials, we advocate for healthcare access that respects human dignity, life, and real needs.

Universal Health Coverage Day is not just a date—it is a call to action for broader access, reduced inequalities, and genuine support for all. Together, we can make meaningful change.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

KAPA3 at the 18th Panhellenic Congress of Nutrition & Dietetics

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

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

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

Nutrition as a Social Determinant of Health

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

Key points highlighted in the presentation included:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Kapa3 Supports Digital Innovation for Oncology Patients at Morning Health Talks

On Thursday, 4 December 2025, the second Morning Health Talk titled “Health Data for Innovation in Greece: Building a Stronger Digital Health Ecosystem” took place at the National Documentation Centre (EKT) in Athens. The event was held in a hybrid format (in-person and online participation), bringing together health professionals, researchers, policymakers and technology partners from Greece and abroad.

During the event, international and Greek experiences were presented on the management and use of health data, digital transformation, and best practices for leveraging data to strengthen the country’s digital health ecosystem.

Among the speakers were:

  • Dr Athanasios Batagiannis, General Director, 3-psi

  • Georgios Dimitriou, Cluster Manager, Hellenic Digital Health Cluster

  • Dr Ioannis Koumpouros, Director of DigInHealth, University of West Attica

  • Elpida Fotiadou, Head of eHealth, IDIKA

With the contribution of the distinguished speakers, key issues were discussed, including infrastructure interoperability, the need for reliable data, bureaucratic barriers, gaps in digital literacy, the development of focused platforms and processes, faster care pathways and needs assessment, the reduction of information fragmentation, and the development of human-centred digital solutions with practical value and social acceptance.

KAPA3 presented its strategic approach, focusing on standardised procedures, data quality improvement, interdisciplinarity, and the use of digital tools to support people living with cancer, as well as on guidance, interaction, empowerment and patient participation in data utilisation processes. At every step, KAPA3 addresses key challenges such as data fragmentation, stakeholder collaboration and human-centred digital solutions—issues that are also summarised in the Good Practices Guide developed within the eHealth4Cancer project.

In summary, the main points highlighted were:

  • A human-centred approach and the application of good practices to ensure the usability and social acceptance of digital solutions.

  • Strengthening collaboration between healthcare professionals, researchers and citizens to develop reliable and functional digital infrastructures.

  • The need for systematic scientific research to address challenges such as skills gaps, limited access and data fragmentation.

The event provided an important opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange, promoting the alignment of digital health infrastructures with citizens’ needs and reinforcing KAPA3’s role as an active contributor to the digital transformation of healthcare in Greece.

Read the full Morning Health Talks 2025 press release here and view photos from the event.

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

International Volunteer Day – 5 December

Celebrating the people who give their time to make the world better

International Volunteer Day (IVD) is celebrated every year on 5 December, following a United Nations resolution that recognises the contribution of volunteers to peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
It is a day dedicated to acknowledging the millions of people who offer care, support, skills, and solidarity — quietly and consistently.

What volunteering means today

Volunteering goes far beyond goodwill.
It strengthens communities, bridges inequalities, supports public health systems and safety nets, and empowers people to take action where it’s needed most.

Across the world, volunteers contribute to:

  • health and patient support

  • social care and community services

  • disaster response and humanitarian aid

  • education and youth programmes

  • environmental protection and sustainability

  • advocacy for vulnerable groups

The scale of volunteering

Global landscape

According to UN Volunteers (UNV):

  • Around 862.4 million people aged 15+ volunteer every month worldwide.

  • This represents nearly 15% of the global working-age population.

  • The total global volume of volunteer work is equivalent to the labour of 109 million full-time workers.

  • Organised (formal) volunteering accounts for about 6.5%, while informal volunteering reaches 14.3% globally.

Volunteering in Greece

ILO (ILOSTAT, 2022) reports that in Greece:

  • 543,010 people engage in direct (informal) volunteering.

  • 669,712 people contribute through voluntary organisations.

These figures reflect a strong and active culture of solidarity, participation, and civic engagement across the country.

Volunteering and cancer care

In the field of cancer, volunteering plays a vital and deeply human role.
Volunteers offer:

  • practical assistance to patients and caregivers

  • support in navigating health services and rights

  • companionship during demanding procedures or appointments

  • participation in awareness and prevention activities

  • emotional support and empowerment

Their presence brings stability, trust, and hope during some of the most challenging moments in a patient’s journey.

Volunteering at Kapa3

International Volunteer Day highlights the dedication of Kapa3 volunteers and the fact that our volunteers are an essential part of our mission.
Through their contribution, they:

  • support patients and caregivers in their day-to-day needs

  • assist in awareness, prevention, and advocacy actions

  • strengthen our European programmes, research activities, and community outreach

  • bring compassion, knowledge, and willingness to every corner of our work

Thanks to them, our vision — no one should face cancer alone — becomes reality.

Become a volunteer at Kapa3

If you wish to support cancer patients and their families, contribute to your community, and become part of our mission, you can join our volunteer network.

Click here to join our volunteer team: here

On International Volunteer Day, the Kapa3 team honours those who not only give their time, care, and heart but also support patients and caregivers in countless ways.
To every volunteer: thank you for your kindness, your consistency, and your strength.
Thank you for helping us build a world of dignity and hope.

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Sources

United Nations Volunteers (UNV), State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (2022)

International Labour Organization (ILO) – ILOSTAT, Volunteer Work Statistics (Greece, 2022)

Trvst – Volunteering Facts & Global Volunteer Work Analysis

World AIDS Day — December 1

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

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

What We Know Today About HIV/AIDS

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

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

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

HIV & Cancer: An Important Connection

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

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

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

The Situation in Greece

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

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

Prevention: What Each of Us Can Do

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

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

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

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

Sources

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

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

This Year’s Good-Luck Charm (2026): A Symbol of Self-Care

The Good Luck Charm of the Year (2026) for Kapa3: The Crown

A Symbol of Self-Care

This year’s good luck charm is dedicated to self-care — a small, daily reminder of the deep importance of tending to ourselves with gentleness, respect, and consistency.
In a time when everyday life becomes increasingly demanding, this charm reminds us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

It symbolizes all those small acts that keep us standing: the pause, the breath, the moment of rest; the warm embrace we offer ourselves. The choice to listen to our bodies, to acknowledge our limits, and to prioritize our health, joy, and inner balance.

And it is precisely this “pause” that led us to our good-luck charm for 2026: the Crown — a symbol that carries far more than what meets the eye.

In music, the crown (fermata) is the pause held by the performer —
the moment of emphasis before the melody continues.
So it is with every struggle: it requires breaths, pauses, small breaks — not to stop, but to continue.

A crown is also a circle. And a circle means you are not alone; around you are people, care, support — a circle that holds you.

If there were a title of honor for those who fight cancer, it would be a crown. Not as a symbol of power, but as a recognition of dignity.

Cancer can sometimes feel like a thorny wreath — heavy, painful, relentless.
And yet, depending on how we choose to face it, it can transform into a wreath of victory: the victory of persistence, endurance, return — and above all, the victory of effort.

Because behind every crown lies a story: of a parent, a friend, a child, a partner, someone who is fighting or supporting someone who fights.

That is why the crown is not just a piece of jewelry — it is a message of strength:

It is not what happens to us that defines us —
but how we choose to face it.

It reminds us that when we care for ourselves, we can truly care for others. That strength, well-being, and kindness begin within us.

May this year’s charm be a small talisman accompanying us each day, inspiring us to make space for what nourishes us, to embrace our vulnerability, and to celebrate our worth.

For a year filled with more care, more peace, and more love — beginning with ourselves.

Let’s fill our days with small acts that make a difference.
Let’s uplift one another.
Let’s turn self-care into a habit.

And for all of us at Kapa3, the invitation is simple: To weave self-care into our everyday lives.

Join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge

Inspired by this year’s charm — dedicated to self-care — we invite you to join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge, a collective action that brings us together through moments of care, calm, and mindfulness.

How the challenge works:

  1. Take one small self-care action during your day.
    It can be something simple: a walk, a breathing break, a warm cup of tea, a few minutes away from screens, journaling your thoughts, a hug you needed.

  2. Capture a photo or write a few words that reflect that moment.

  3. Share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #kapa3gouri.

  4. Tag two friends to keep the chain of self-care going.

Our goal is not the “perfect” image — but the daily reminder that we deserve time, space, and care. Each post becomes a small mosaic of tenderness toward ourselves.
A collective message that wellbeing begins within.

For 2026, choose the Crown — as a symbol of hope, strength, and dignity.
Wear it. Offer it. Share its power.

Thank you for being part of this journey.


The Kapa3 Team

 

 

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – 25 November

November 25 is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a day that reminds us that gender-based violence remains a serious and persistent social problem. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness, promote prevention, support survivors, and foster a society where equality and respect are fundamental values.

According to the latest UN data, approximately one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. In Greece, official statistics indicate that a significant proportion of women have experienced domestic violence, and reports remain high. Economic crises and the pandemic have further increased social pressures, contributing to a rise in incidents.

Violence against women is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It also includes psychological, economic, and social forms of violence, which are often invisible but leave deep and long-lasting effects on women’s health, self-esteem, and daily lives. Prevention, early recognition, and systematic support for survivors are critical.

Gender-based violence does not discriminate. It affects women of all ages and social groups, including trans women, who often face additional barriers in accessing safety, care, and support.

Research shows a bidirectional link between violence against women and cancer. Violence can increase cancer risk through chronic stress, unhealthy behaviors, or delays in preventive screenings. At the same time, a cancer diagnosis can make a woman more vulnerable to abuse, as she may rely on the perpetrator for daily needs, transportation, medication, or financial support. In some cases, the disease itself can be used as a tool for psychological pressure or control.

No woman should live in fear. It is essential for every woman to know that she is not at fault and does not need to face violence alone. Help is available — from support lines, shelters, and specialized centers, to people in her close environment who can offer guidance. If we perceive that a woman around us is at risk, we have a responsibility to speak up, stand by her, and encourage her to seek help. Silence perpetuates the cycle of violence; our voice can break it.

If you or a woman nearby needs immediate help, SOS Line 15900 operates 24/7 with trained professionals and can guide you to urgent services or safe shelters. For immediate intervention, call 100 (or send an SMS with your name, address, and brief description). Additionally, Counseling Centers and Shelters across Greece offer free psychosocial and legal support.

At Kapa3, we deeply believe that every woman deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered. We support prevention, awareness, and empowerment initiatives, encouraging every woman to take the first step toward protection. Change begins when no one is left alone. Every conversation, every act of solidarity, contributes to building a society free from violence.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us that change requires awareness, education, and collective action. Violence is not a private matter — it is a social issue that needs everyone’s involvement, so that no woman fears seeking help.

Sources:

United Nations

European Institute for Gender Equality – Violence Against Women

World Health Organization

Violence against women increases cancer diagnoses: Results from a meta-analytic review

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

World Pneumonia Day: Every Breath Counts

Pneumonia, often underestimated, remains one of the most serious threats to public health worldwide.
World Pneumonia Day was established in 2009 by the Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. Since then, every year on November 12th, governments, organizations, and health institutions unite their efforts to raise awareness about a disease that, although preventable and treatable, still causes millions of deaths globally.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can affect people of all ages, with particular risk for children under five, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. According to WHO data, pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death among young children, accounting for approximately 700,000 deaths annually worldwide. In Europe and in Greece, although vaccinations and access to medical care have significantly reduced cases, pneumonia continues to be one of the most common causes of hospitalization among the elderly, especially during the winter months.

Moreover, pneumonia is a frequent and serious complication for individuals with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients. Timely prevention and proper information can save lives, protecting those already fighting their own health battles.

Prevention is therefore key. Vaccination, maintaining good hygiene, avoiding smoking, and timely medical care are essential measures to protect against this serious disease. At the same time, awareness and education help recognize early warning signs, such as high fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, so that prompt and appropriate treatment can be provided.

At Kapa3, we actively support information and prevention, highlighting the importance of protecting respiratory health for everyone. Through our initiatives, we provide guidance, resources, and support, reminding that no one needs to face the challenge of pneumonia alone. This day calls on all of us to act collectively, protect the most vulnerable, and strengthen prevention at every age.

Because every breath counts, and awareness is the first step to safeguarding it.

Sources:

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Movember: The November Moustache and Men’s Health

Every November, men around the world grow a moustache, taking part in a movement that started in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia. Back then, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, chatting in a bar about past men’s trends, decided, as a playful experiment, to bring the moustache back into fashion. At the same time, inspired by the mother of a friend who had organized a fundraiser for breast cancer, they decided to pair their moustache campaign with an initiative for men’s health, specifically focusing on prostate cancer. This simple idea grew into a global movement, Movember, which today counts over 6 million members, highlighting the importance of vigilance in men’s mental and physical health.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, making it the most common cancer among men worldwide. Meanwhile, testicular cancer primarily affects younger men aged 15–44, and although survival rates are high, early detection remains crucial. Yet simple actions—a yearly check‑up with a doctor, a preventive prostate exam, a PSA blood test, a testicular ultrasound, or even self‑examination—can make a real difference.

Care, however, doesn’t stop at the body: men seek help for mental health issues far less often than women. Depression, loneliness, and anxiety often remain silent behind the phrase “I’m fine.” And yet, behind this silence, opportunities for support and for a life with quality and hope are lost.

Men are often burdened by cultural norms and stereotypes of a flawed and outdated masculinity, which distance them from prevention and self‑care. Mental health needs to become a routine, not an emergency.

In Greece, according to the latest data from KLIMAKA’s Suicide Observatory for 2024, 469 suicides were recorded, with 86% involving men. The age groups 50–54 and 20–24 show notable incidence, while those over 80 account for 9.6% of cases. The main methods were hanging (29%), firearms (25.8%), and falls (24.3%). Underreporting remains significant, with an estimated 15–20% of cases unrecorded, and each completed suicide corresponds to 20–30 attempts.

Movember is not just about men: women participate as Mo Sisters, encouraging the men in their lives to take care of themselves. Kapa3 supports such initiatives, raises awareness, and motivates the community to incorporate prevention and mental well‑being into daily life.

With everyone’s participation, men’s health can improve, awareness can grow, and prevention can become a habit. Every November moustache carries a message: taking care of your health is an act of strength and responsibility.

Learn more about the movement here.

Sources:

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Biomarkers Open New Paths in Cancer Treatment in Greece

Good news for cancer patients in Greece — access to personalized treatments is now becoming a reality.

A recent decision by the Ministry of Health (ΦΕΚ Β’ 5627/20-10-2025, Απόφαση Δ3(α) 41081/2025) approves and reimburses a wider range of biomarker tests, marking an important step forward for modern oncology care.

Read the Government Gazette here

But what are biomarkers?
They are special indicators detected through molecular tests that help doctors understand the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer. In simple terms, biomarkers act like a “compass,” guiding doctors to choose the most effective and safest treatment for every individual.

Until now, only a few biomarkers were covered by the public health system — for example, molecular signatures that determine whether a woman with early-stage breast cancer needs chemotherapy (approved in 2018), or BRCA1/2 gene tests that reveal inherited risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

The new decision significantly expands this list, adding additional biomarkers for 39 indications. This allows oncologists to tailor treatments to the specific profile of each patient’s tumor, bringing Greece closer to international standards of personalized medicine.

KAPA3, which consistently supports patient education and empowerment, welcomes this development as a vital step toward more human-centred, targeted care.

This progress brings hope, better quality of life, and greater trust in the healthcare system. It is only the beginning, but it lays strong foundations for a future where every patient has access to the right treatment, at the right time.

Learn about patient rights via KAPA3’s extensive library here

Learn more about cancer biomarkers here

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3