Category: Kapa3

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

When Art Meets Science: How CREATE Platform May Strengthen Emotional Regulation in Cancer Care

At Kapa3, we recognize that cancer affects far more than the body, challenging the emotions, sense of self, relationships, and quality of life of those suffering. Despite the high prevalence of co-occuring mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, access to mental health services remains limited. This gap between patient needs and healthcare provisions is precisely what motivated us to help develop CREATE, an innovative digital platform designed to support emotional resilience through a powerful combination of art, technology, and emotional engagement (Ladas et al., 2025).

The CREATE (Creative and Resilience through Arts, Technology, and Emotions) platform uses computerised cognitive training (CCT) designed to enhance emotional regulation by integrating working memory training, engagement with famous artwork, and creative emotional expression. Unlike other platforms, it only targets one cognitive function: working memory. Evidence suggests that focusing on a single cognitive function is more effective than targeting multiple ones. Working memory in particular has been found to influence emotional regulation, a skillset with established benefits for anxiety and depression.

CREATE therefore introduces a unified framework that addresses cognitive function, emotional expression, and biological influences such as sleep quality and dopamine activity. Such digital health solutions are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives to standard psychotherapy, offering greater accessibility and affordability while still capable of reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Findings from the pilot study on CREATE were very promising; the participants found the platform easy to use and enjoyable, and showed increased emotional and creative engagement. Although this early research focused on feasibility and validity rather than therapeutic effectiveness, initial findings indicate improvements in emotional regulation. Importantly, the study demonstrated positive relationships between working memory, emotional regulation, and expression of emotion, while also suggesting that sleep and dopamine may mediate these effects.

These insights highlight the importance of lifestyle and biological data in developing personalized digital mental health tools. It is well established in neuroscience that working memory plays a central role in emotional regulation. A stronger working memory allows individuals to better cope with distressing thoughts, shift their attention, and respond more calmly to challenges. For people living with cancer, supporting these cognitive and emotional capacities makes daily life more manageable. Improved thinking skills can facilitate treatment adherence, informed decision-making, and a more effective management of the emotional turbulence that often accompanies illness.

The study relied on a convenience sample made up mostly of cancer-related healthcare professionals, and only one cancer survivor participated. To address this limitation, the next phase of research will focus entirely on cancer patients and survivors. Their unique challenges, including cancer-related fatigue and treatment-related cognitive changes, will be central to refining the platform and ensuring that CREATE is tailored to the needs of those it aims to benefit the most. This creates not only a more impactful intervention but also empowers patients to have a voice in shaping the future of supportive cancer care.

As we look ahead, CREATE offers a hopeful vision for digital mental-health support. It is scalable, affordable, and adaptable, making it especially valuable for people who lack access to mental health care. Intervening early and supporting emotional well-being throughout treatment and survivorship may reduce the long-term strain on healthcare services associated with mental health conditions.  As cancer treatment continues to evolve, we must make sure that psychological care develops along with it. And CREATE does just that.

Read the full study

References

Ladas, A. I., Katsoridou, C., Gravalas, T., Klados, M. A., Stravoravdi, A. S., Tsompanidou, N., Fragkedaki, A., Bista, E., Chorafa, T., Petrovic, K., Vlotinou, P., Tsiakiri, A., Papazisis, G., & Frantzidis, C. A. (2025). Creativity and REsilience Through Arts, Technology and Emotions: A Pilot Study on the Feasibility and Validity of the CREATE Platform. Brain Sciences, 15(11), 1171.

‌Article by Despina Chrysostomidou, Psychologist, for Kapa3 Research Insights

4 November: International Stress Awareness Day

Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges and changes. It helps us respond, adapt, and stay motivated. But when it becomes prolonged, it can turn into an invisible, exhausting companion that affects every aspect of daily life — body, mind, relationships, and mood. International Stress Awareness Day (4 November) is a reminder to pause, take a deep breath, and acknowledge that mental health deserves the same care as physical health.

In Greece, the mental health burden remains significant. According to the OECD (2023, Country Health Profile), around 6% of the population experiences anxiety disorders, while 7% report symptoms of depression. At the same time, more recent studies in younger age groups show that stress affects a much larger proportion: in a 2020 survey of university students, high levels of moderate to severe stress and extreme anxiety were reported. Additionally, international daily stress measurements indicate that about 58% of Greeks felt stress the previous day, placing the country among the highest in Europe and globally. These figures highlight that anxiety touches a substantial part of the population and significantly impacts daily life, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support.

Stress can manifest in multiple ways: rapid heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, irritability, or simply feeling like there’s “never enough time.” Too often we dismiss it as “part of life.” But caring for our mind and emotions is not a luxury — it is a responsibility to ourselves. Support from mental health professionals, physical activity, connection with nature, music, art, or even a simple conversation with someone we trust can become small breaths of balance.

People living with chronic illnesses, including cancer, often face heightened stress. Anxiety about treatment, uncertainty about the future, and the physical impact of disease can intensify tension and worry. Recognizing and validating this stress is essential, as support through networks, counseling, and accessible resources can make a meaningful difference.

At Kapa3, we believe no one should face stress or illness alone. Through our programs, initiatives, and community, we offer guidance, emotional support, and practical help, highlighting that mental well-being is a shared journey and empathy is key.

Today is more than a reminder of the risks of stress. It is an invitation to speak openly without fear or shame, to create space for understanding and acceptance. Let’s learn to listen to our bodies and minds, recognize the signs, and seek help when needed. Calmness is not a luxury — it is a right for everyone.

Read more in previous articles of Kapa3: Article1, Article2, Article3

Sources:

OECD (2023), Country Health Profile: Greece
Stress, Anxiety and Depression Prevalence among Greek University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic (2023, PLOS ONE / PMC)
Gallup Global Emotions Report 2024 – Ελλάδα: Daily Stress Measurement (58%)

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

October 25 – World Breast Cancer Awareness Day

October 25 has been established as World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with this disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, affecting approximately 2.3 million women each year, with 670,000 deaths, while in Greece around 6,000 new cases are diagnosed annually (Source: Globocan 2025). These are not just numbers—they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve hope and dignity.

Survival chances depend on access to early detection and effective treatment: in high-income countries, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, while in countries such as India it is 66% and in South Africa only 40%. These inequalities highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action, as incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 if current trends continue.

Breat scancer does not affect only women—around 1% of diagnoses occur in men, a fact often overlooked. Awareness and education must be inclusive so that no one is left unprotected.

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, established in 2021, works with countries to reduce breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems and facilitating access to diagnosis and treatment.

At the same time, psychosocial support for patients and their families is crucial, as a diagnosis affects all aspects of life, from work to daily routines and mental well-being.

International Breast Cancer Awareness Day also calls on communities, health organizations, and authorities to collaborate to improve access to screening and treatment services. Raising awareness about risk factors—such as genetics, age, and lifestyle—and promoting healthy habits helps prevent the disease and reduce health inequalities.

Every individual can contribute: schedule a mammogram, remind friends to do the same, support nonprofit organizations, or participate in awareness activities. Even small gestures, like wearing a pink ribbon or sharing reliable information on social media, make a difference.

At Kapa3, we believe that every woman and person living with cancer deserves support, knowledge, and access to high-quality treatments. Through initiatives in awareness, social support, and empowerment, our goal is to build a society where no life is endangered by lack of information, resources, or care, and wher

e hope and solidarity become powerful allies in the fight against the disease.

Read more on breast cancer:

https://www.kapa3.gr/en/raising-the-standards-europe-s-qa-scheme-for-breast-cancer-services/

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sources: https://gco.iarc.fr/en

https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

EGFR: An “Old Target” Gaining New Life in Cancer Research

When science moves forward step by step

Progress in oncology does not always come with dramatic announcements. Often, it is found in studies that show small but meaningful steps. One such case is a recent review in JAMA Oncology exploring new targeted therapies for head and neck cancer — a type of cancer often linked to smoking, alcohol consumption, or HPV infection. At Kapa3, we closely follow these developments to keep patients and their families responsibly informed,

Researchers focused on a protein called EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor). Approximately 90% of patients with this type of cancer show overexpression of the protein, making it an attractive target for therapy. In the past, drugs such as cetuximab attempted to “block” EGFR activity, but results were limited. Patients experienced modest improvements without a significant increase in survival.

The new generation of research goes a step further. Combination therapies are being explored, such as targeting EGFR alongside immunotherapy (e.g., pembrolizumab), which strengthens the body’s defense against cancer cells. In early studies, this combination showed response rates around 45% and a median survival of approximately 18 months in patients for whom previous treatments had failed — results that, while not dramatic, are considered encouraging for this disease.

Scientists now understand that the success of targeted therapy depends on multiple factors. In many patients, cancer cells eventually develop resistance, “learning” to bypass the drug’s effect. In addition, cancers linked to HPV appear to behave differently from those that are not, opening new avenues for more personalized approaches.

Research is also focusing on identifying biomarkers — molecular indicators that can show which patients are most likely to benefit from a particular therapy. If these tools prove reliable, they could lead to more targeted, effective, and safer treatments in the future.

At the same time, newer forms of drugs are being tested, such as bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates, which aim to target cancer cells with greater precision. All of these efforts are still in early clinical trial stages, aiming to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

The key message of this research is not that a “new drug that beats cancer” has been found, but that science continues to search, test, and learn. Every small step, every percentage of improvement, every new idea paves the way for future progress.

For people living with cancer — and their families — hope lies not only in major breakthroughs and new treatments but also in the certainty that thousands of researchers around the world are tirelessly working to make each next step a little closer to life. Because in science, as in life, progress is often measured not in leaps but in steady, human steps. At Kapa3, we are committed to sharing this news in a clear and useful way for everyone.

Read the review here

Sources:

Hwang W. et al. “Emerging EGFR-Targeted Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer: A Review.” JAMA Oncology (2025).
World Health Organization – Cancer Research Updates

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia for Kapa3