Category: Mental Empowerment

Continuing the Journey: Online Group Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition – Third Cycle with Kapa3 and the LB.H.Sc

Following the warm response to the second cycle of meetings (see the related article here ), focusing on Nutritional Guidance and Experiential Psychological Support, Kapa3 and the Laboratory of Basic Health Sciences (LB.H.Sc), Department of Nursing University of Peloponnese are delighted to continue their collaboration with a third series of online group sessions for mental health and nutrition, dedicated to the holistic care of body and mind, designed for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

In this third cycle, mental health and nutrition are approached as two complementary sides of the same care.

The mental health sessions help participants recognize and manage challenging emotions such as anxiety, fear, sadness, or guilt, strengthen resilience, and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and others.

The nutrition sessions explore how mindful and balanced eating can support the body, improve energy and mood, and become a meaningful act of self-care. Food is not only a necessity but also a way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.

Program of Online Sessions for Mental Health and Nutrition & Themes

  • Saturday, February 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Myths and truths about “anti-cancer” diets. How to evaluate nutritional information and avoid risky practices.

  • Saturday, March 14, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Stress and uncertainty: practical ways to manage them during treatments and exams.

  • Saturday, March 21, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Giving space to emotions without being overwhelmed: recognizing and expressing fear, anger, sadness, and guilt.

  • Saturday, March 28, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Nutritional support during treatment & the role of cachexia.

  • Saturday, April 25, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Boundaries without guilt: protecting energy and mental resilience.

  • Saturday, May 9, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Safe cooking practices & kitchen hygiene.

  • Saturday, May 23, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    Family and illness: changes in relationships and ways to support each other.

  • Saturday, June 6, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    The Tree of Life: who I am beyond the illness.

  • Saturday, June 13, 2026, 17:30–19:00
    What gives meaning to life now: discovering small but meaningful elements that sustain us.

Format & Participation

The meetings are held online, based on dialogue, experiential learning, and the sharing of personal experiences. Everyone participates at their own pace, in a warm environment of acceptance and trust. Consistent attendance helps build safety and confidence within the group.

To express your interest or join the first session of the third cycle (Saturday, February 28, 17:30–19:00): [Registration Link]

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

February 15 – International Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Day

February 15 is dedicated to International Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Day, a day to raise awareness for children and adolescents facing cancer and for the families who stand by them through this particularly challenging journey.

Globally, over 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 are diagnosed with cancer each year. In high-income countries, more than 80% of children survive thanks to medical advancements and improved treatment protocols. However, inequalities in access to timely diagnosis and appropriate care remain significant. The World Health Organization has set a goal to improve survival rates worldwide by 2030 by strengthening healthcare systems and access to treatment.

In Greece, approximately 300–350 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, with leukemia and central nervous system tumors being the most common types. Survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades, highlighting the importance of specialized medical and psychosocial care.

The experience of cancer at such a young age does not end with the completion of treatment. It often leaves an imprint that accompanies children into adulthood — a stage where challenges change form but the need for support remains.

FROM ADOLESCENCE TO YOUNG ADULTHOOD: THE NEED FOR CONTINUOUS CARE

Young adults aged 18–35 who have experienced cancer form a particularly vulnerable and often “invisible” group, situated between pediatric and adult oncology care. A diagnosis or long-term effects of the disease during this life stage can deeply impact independence, education, work, relationships, and future plans.

References
World Health Organization (WHO). Childhood cancer – Key facts. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer-in-children
World Health Organization (WHO). Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-initiative-for-childhood-cancer
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Global Cancer Observatory – Childhood Cancer Data. https://gco.iarc.fr
Hellenic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (EEPAO). https://www.eepao.gr

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3